CELEBRITY Big Brother is making an epic comeback to our TV screens with AJ Odudu as one of the series’ hosts.
The popular presenter is at the peak of her career and has become one of the most in-demand TV stars in the UK.
Who is AJ Odudu?
AJ Odudu was born Onatejiro Odudu on February 12, 1988.
She was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, to Nigerian parents and is one of eight children.
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.”
Aj Odudu
AJ graduated from Keele University with a degree in English and politics and then started her career as a reporter for BBC Blast at Radio Lancashire.
Her first presenting role was in 2009 on BBC Two’s The Almost Perfect Guide to Life.
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Is AJ Odudu married?
AJ isn’t married, and is a single lady.
In December 2021, there were rumours when she was on Strictly that she was dating her dance partner Kai Widdrington.
When quizzed on Strictly: It Takes Two, the duo laughed and appeared awkward, before Kai explained: “Well, look. We said this right, and I said this to [AJ], if people react like this then it means we are doing something right, because that is the way the dance should be danced.”
He went on to say they wanted to do the “passionate, fiery and intimate” dance justice.
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“If people want to think that, then great but we are just doing our jobs, she was doing her job,” he added.
During her time on Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, AJ gave an insight into her previous relationships.
TV presenter AJ does not have any children.
She said: “I’ve been cheated on by three ex-boyfriends.
“One of them was sleeping with my best friends.”
How much do Big Brother hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best get paid?
ITV have kept tight-lipped over how much the Big Brother hosts get paid.
However, back in the day former presenter Davina McCall reportedly earned £70,000 a week for fronting the show, according to The Mirror.
What TV shows has AJ Odudu appeared on?
AJ’s first presenting role was in 2009 on BBC Two’s The Almost Perfect Guide to Life.
In 2013, she joined Emma Willis and Rylan Clark-Neal on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side, as well as Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On The Psych.
She also presented on The Hot Desk from 2015 to 2016, and Manhunting With My Mum in 2018.
In 2020 she appeared in The Chase: Celebrity Special, Bake Off: An Extra Slice, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Don’t Rock The Boat.
In 2021 AJ hosted Apocalypse Wow on ITV2 and a revamp of The Big Breakfast on Channel 4.
AJ made it to the final of Strictly Come Dancing in the same year, and was tipped to win the show.
However, she had to pull out of the final after suffering a nasty ankle injury left her on crutches and unable to dance.
She announced her withdrawal from the competition on December 17, 2021, after she was pictured hobbling to her last rehearsal.
She said: “I’m deeply upset that I am unable to perform in the final due to a torn ligament in my right ankle.
“Learning to dance over the last 13 weeks has been an incredible honour and to do it alongside someone as special, patient and devoted as Kai [Widdrington] is something I’ll treasure forever.”
In 2022 she was brought in as the presenter of The Bridge, alongside adventurer Aldo Kane, and she hosted the revamped Big Breakfast with Mo Gilligan.
In October 2022 she hosted E4’s The Big Blow Out.
She also appeared alongside Rylan Clark when they hosted the Eurovision Handover and Allocation Draw.
AJ also appeared on The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2023 alongside Jesy Nelson and Paddy McGuinness, to name a few.
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She was announced as the host of the rebooted Big Brother alongside Will Best.
The pair are back on the box for the return of the 2024 celebrity edition of the show with 10 famous faces.
