AJ Odudu‘s lovely northern accent is a perfect match for her vivacious presenting manner.
The 35-year-old has acknowledged that the TV industry hasn’t always treated her Blackburn origins favourably.
Thankfully, AJ’s mother Florence Odudu urged her to embrace her voice despite what other people thought.
When she appeared on ITV’s Lorraine, host Lorraine Kelly encouraged her to talk candidly about the matter: “A lot of people told you to get rid of your accent and to change the way you speak.”
AJ excitedly nodded in agreement with the phrase, demonstrating how true it was for her early in her career.
‘It’s so interesting how people can just judge you by how you sound or what you look like,’ AJ reflected.
‘Thank goodness I’ve got my mum who has still got the most glorious Nigerian accent.’
Florence told AJ: ‘No you’re from where you are from and that’s part of who you are so keep the accent.’
Knowing that mothers are frequently right, AJ followed her advise, which was profitable.
‘Thank goodness I did it,’ she told Lorraine on her ITV show.
For Lorraine, 63, a native of Glasgow’s Gorbals neighbourhood, AJ’s story brought back a memory.
‘I got told the same way back in the 80s and I thought things had improved somewhat.’
Motsi Mobuse, a judge on the television show Strictly, has discussed her trouble recognising Northern accents, particularly AJ.
She told the Off Menu podcast: ‘I really struggle with people that come from the north.
‘It’s so strong, I just don’t understand, really. I’m being honest.’
Motsi, 42, was then asked directly if AJ’s accent was an issue to which she responded: ‘Yes! Yes, yes, yes. But there have been quite a few people from the north.’
Additionally, Motsi disclosed that she uses Craig Revel Horwood, a fellow judge, to interpret.
But AJ hasn’t exactly been restrained. She is presently hosting The Big Interiors Battle on Channel 4, a show where would-be homeowners create their ideal flat under the careful eye of judge and architect Dara Huang. The winner receives the mortgage-free property in a former Sheffield cutlery mill.
AJ has expressed her eagerness to host the relaunch of Big Brother and is reportedly a candidate.
‘I’ve made no secret about the fact that I’d love to be a part of that iconic reboot of the show. It would be amazing.’
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1.The Big Interiors Battle will air on Channel 4 on April 21 at 8pm.