Since splitting from her boyfriend just months after welcoming their son, new mum Josie Gibson has been exercising to stay strong. She was left heartbroken when her boyfriend Terry reportedly “threw her out” of their home on New Year’s Eve, leading to a spell in a hotel with their four-month-old son Reggie.
And the 34-year-old, who claimed an explosive row over tidying shoes led to Terry packing her bags and ejecting her from his house, later admitted her sadness over having to adjust to life as a single mum.
But as the former reality star displayed her newly-trim figure last week –after slimming from a size 18 to a 12-14 in just two months – pals say she’s been throwing herself into exercise to lift her mood.
A source revealed to Closer magazine, “It’s been a tough couple of months, but getting back into exercise has been a massive boost for Josie. She’s been trying to fit in the odd home workout during Reggie’s naps – and seeing the results of her efforts has really put a smile back on her face.”
Josie flaunted her impressive weight loss by sharing before and after pictures on Instagram, displaying her midriff in a crop top. She’d embarked on her post-baby shape-up back in early December, admitting she took off Christmas and her birthday.
The source adds, “Being a new mum and dealing with sleepless nights made sugary snacks all the more appealing, but recently Josie’s been having protein-packed meals delivered to her door to avoid temptation. She’s been trying her best to fuel her body with healthy food to boost her energy.”
Josie famously transformed her body in 2012 with diet and exercise – shedding 6st and going from a size 20 to an 8, before having surgery to remove excess skin. The star released two fitness DVDs and went on to become a qualified personal trainer.
After finding happiness with property developer Terry (whose identity she’s always kept hidden) in the summer of 2017, Josie revealed she’d let her healthy lifestyle slip – admitting, “I’m eating dessert every night!”
Now pals say she’s committed to her new fitness regime for the sake of her young son.
The source adds, “Josie is being realistic. She’s been a size 8 before, but had to dedicate so much time to exercising. She’s really happy with her body at the moment and intends to keep the balance right. She loves feeling fit and healthy, but also wants to have a life."
Check out the most amazing celebrity transformations...
Celebrity transformations stacked radio
1 of 38Then: Little Mix
Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson and Jade Thirlwall looked very young in 2011 after winning The X Factor. To be fair, they were all teenagers at the time!
2 of 38Now: Little Mix
Now the biggest girl band on the planet, the girls look fantastic all grown up. They even have their own clothing range with PrettyLittleThing.
3 of 38Then: Calvin Harris
Scottish DJ Calvin Harris pictured here in 2009. Sorry Calvin, but we're not sure that look would be Acceptable In The 80s - OR now.
4 of 38Now: Calvin Harris
The 'One Kiss' hit-maker transformed into an A-list hunk, and has dated the likes of Taylor Swift and Rita Ora. Twit twoo!
5 of 38Then: Cheryl
Girls Aloud singer Cheryl was just a fresh-faced teenager when she auditioned for Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.
6 of 38Now: Cheryl
She's now an on-trend and super-glamorous mum-of-one, even walking the red carpet at a London Fashion Week show.
7 of 38Then: Justin Bieber
Little Justin Bieber was just a Baby when he burst onto the scene in 2009...
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8 of 38Now: Justin BIeber
Justin is now all grown up and married to model Hailey Bieber!
9 of 38Then: Jack Ryder
Jack Ryder, AKA Jamie Mitchell from EastEnders, was a noughties heartthrob if ever there was one.
10 of 38Now: Jack Ryder
When Jack was announced to be joining the cast of Holby City in 2018, fans were left in shock at how different he looked!
11 of 38Then: Rihanna
A young Rihanna in 2005...
12 of 38Now: Rihanna
The still cheeky Fenty grin is still there, and Rihanna continues to defy the aging process.
13 of 38Then: Matthew Lewis
Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis starred in the film series as Neville Longbottom from 2001 to the last film in 2011, here pictured in 2004 at the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban premiere.
14 of 38Now: Matthew Lewis
Matthew grew up into such a good-looking chap that the makeup department on the Potter films had to try and make him less attractive in the later films, even spawning the phrase 'Longbottomed'.
15 of 38Then: Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus in her Hannah Montana days...
16 of 38Now: Miley Cyrus
She may have gone through various transformations over the years, but Miley is still recognisable to her fans!
17 of 38Then: Katy Perry
Katy Perry rocking long black hair in 2004...
18 of 38Now: Katy Perry
Despite having a blonde pixie cut in 2017/18, Katy has now decided to grow her hair, looking stunning!
19 of 38Then: Kylie Jenner
A fresh faced Kylie Jenner in 2008...
20 of 38Now: Kylie Jenner
The mum-of-one changes up her look practically every month, but she always oozes glamour.
21 of 38Then: Zac Efron
Zac Efron in his High School Musical days back in 2007...
22 of 38Now: Zac Efron
More than a decade later, he was looking incredibly dapper at the Australian premiere for The Greatest Showman, even sporting a 'tache.
23 of 38Then: Justin Timberlake
JT rocking his epic tight curls with frosted tips back in 2000...
24 of 38Now: Justin Timberlake
The popular singer is now much more grown-up, rocking a smart hairstyle.
25 of 38Then: Olly Murs
Cheeky chap Olly Murs during his time on The X Factor back in 2009.
26 of 38Now: Olly Murs
Olly shocked fans in October 2019 when he rocked up to The Voice UK premiere with ice-blond hair!
27 of 38Then: Simon Cowell
Music mogul Simon Cowell at the start of his career in 2002.
28 of 38Now: Simon Cowell
After turning vegan in 2019, Simon lost a massive 20lbs, showing off his new look on America's Got Talent.
29 of 38Then: Amber Gill
Geordie girl Amber Gill embraced her natural curly locks as she hit our TV screens in the Love Island villa in 2019.
30 of 38Now: Amber Gill
Just months after, Amber looked more or less unrecognisable as she attended the launch night of her clothing collaboration with MissPap.
31 of 38Then: Sharon Osbourne
Sharon has rocked her iconic red bob haircut for the last 20 years, but recently she decided to stop dying her locks every week.
32 of 38Now: Sharon Osbourne
Embracing her natural white hair, Sharon looks amazing!
33 of 38Then: McFly
McFly started out in 2003, releasing this debut song '5 Colours in Her Hair' in 2004.
34 of 38Now: McFly
McFly have made a comeback after a few years away from music, with a new album and single.
35 of 38Then: Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue started out on Australian soap Neighbours, before leaving to become a very successful singer.
36 of 38Now: Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue has returned with a fantastic song 'Say Something' which is going back to her disco roots. The singer is also set to release a new album in November.
37 of 38Then: Sean Paul
Sean Paul started out in 1994, releasing his debut album 'Stage One' in 2000. However, it was with the released of 'Gimme the Light' that he first had success in the UK reaching Number 5.
38 of 38Now: Sean Paul
In recent years Sean has featured on a number of successful songs namely, Clean Bandit's 'Rockabye'.
Read the full story in this week's Closer magazine - out now!