Ever since it was announced that Big Brother was set to make a spectacular 2023 comeback last summer, the rumour mill has been working non-stop churning out potential names of who will follow in the footsteps of Davina McCall, Brian Dowling and Emma Willis as the show's hosts.
Although many high-profile names have been rumoured over the last few months, the frontrunner since day one – and we do mean DAY ONE – was always telly icon and living legend, AJ Odudu and today (Tuesday 25 April 2023), ITV officially confirmed that AJ and her presenter pal Will Best will work together as joint hosts of Big Brother and its companion show, ahead of the show’s hotly anticipated return to ITV2 and ITVX later this year.
The pair will share the iconic hosting role on the main show, presiding over the weekly evictions and quizzing housemates on all of the goings on in the world’s most famous house. The duo will also host an additional nightly live show debating all the hot topics inside the house.
After months of speculation, AJ said, “I’m so excited to finally be able to say that, yes: I’m hosting Big Brother! I couldn't be happier. Following in the footsteps of some of my favourite broadcasting legends to front such an iconic show is an absolute honour - and to do it alongside my amazing friend Will is the icing on the cake.”
A TV favourite, AJ has recently co-hosted the acclaimed revival of The Big Breakfast. She has hosted on Comic Relief and as part of the Eurovision family, and is also known to ITV audiences having presented backstage on The Voice UK and The Voice Kids.
Fans of the reality show will already know that AJ is no stranger to the Big Brother franchise. In fact, in June 2013 AJ actually co-hosted Big Brother's Bit on the Side with Rylan Clark on Channel 5, before eventually being replaced by Rylan, who took on the role full time in 2014.
Months before any official announcement was made, the presenter stated that she was “very exciting” about Big Brother's comeback in an interview, admitting, “I feel like the Big Brother stans are really out in full force – it’s incredible!”
Back in October 2022, a source told The Daily Star, "AJ has had advanced talks with producers about the new series. The meetings have gone really well and it’s looking promising."
They added, "ITV are considering a few different stars, but at the moment AJ is considered the frontrunner."
News of Big Brother's return dropped during the Love Island 2022 grand finale, that saw Ekin-Su and Davide crowned winners, with the ICONIC theme music blaring in the ad break.
Who is AJ Odudu?
AJ is a TV presenter best known for presenting some of our fave reality shows such as Big Brother's Bit on the Side, Married At First Sight UK: Unveiled and The Bridge: Race to a Fortune. In April 2023, ITV confirmed that the new hosts for the forthcoming series of Big Brother and its companion show as AJ and Will Best. The series is set to return to ITVX and ITV2 later this year.
How old is AJ Odudu?
AJ is 35 years old, born on 12 February 1988.
Where is AJ Odudu from?
AJ was born in Blackburn, Lancashire.
How tall is AJ Odudu?
AJ is 5’7.
Did AJ Odudu appear on Celebrity First Dates Hotel?
Back in 2019, AJ appeared on Celebrity First Dates Hotel and was introduced to Duke, a mortgage broker from Essex. The couple seemed to hit it off with Duke admitting that he wanted to see AJ again.
However, whilst neither party seemed to confirm it, the romance didn’t seem to last as she doesn’t even follow him on Instagram anymore (actions speak louder than words).
Who is AJ Odudu dating?
AJ is currently believed to be single.
Did AJ Odudu appear on Strictly?
You might remember AJ on Strictly back in 2021 with partner Kai Widdrington. AJ impressed the judges in week one, topping the leader board for her jive to Gold Dust by DJ Fresh. Sadly, AJ’s Strictly journey was cut short as she was forced to withdraw from the competition the day before the final after she tore a ligament in her right ankle.
Did AJ Odudu dance before Strictly?
Despite wowing the judge’s week after week, AJ had no prior dance experience (we know, we're still shocked too).
Is AJ Odudu on The Big Breakfast?
Back in September 2021, AJ co-hosted a one-off revival of The Big Breakfast alongside Mo Gilligan. The pair returned to host four special summer episodes in August 2022.. They were also joined by heat's Under the Duvet host Harriet Rose.
Has AJ Odudu ever been on Big Brother?
Yes, in June 2013 AJ co-hosted Big Brother's Bit on the Side with Rylan Clark on Channel 5, before eventually being replaced by Rylan, who took on the role full time in 2014.
Does AJ Odudu have Instagram?
She sure does. AJ’s Instagram is @ajodudu and she regular posts her workouts, career and holidays.