The hosts of the much-anticipated ITV remake of Big Brother have been announced, and one fan favourite is among them.
After months of speculation, it has now been confirmed that AJ Odudu will be hosting the reality series with TV celebrity Will Best.
After rumours circulated that AJ was in ‘final discussions’ for the role, fans will be overjoyed to learn that she is now officially involved.
The revelation was revealed in a preview for the episode, which included close-ups of AJ and Will’s eyes – emulating the classic Big Brother eye emblem – while the theme music played in the background.
The co-hosts then emerged into full view, to the delight of countless admirers on social media.
‘Yassssssssssssssss stellar hosts,’ one person commented, as another wrote: ‘I’m so happy!!!’
Someone person claimed to getting ‘goosebumps’ after hearing the Big Brother theme for the third time.
‘Never been so excited for a show to come back,’ one Twitter user added.
TV presenter Jamie East congratulated AJ on her new position, writing: ‘Huge congrats @AJOdudu – what a comeback!’
Will, 38, posted the preview on his own Instagram account, labelling it with a simple eye emoji, while AJ responded with a loud ‘yes’ of delight.
AJ, 35, also posted the clip, writing in a statement: ‘This is not a drill! I’m beyond excited to finally be able to say that, I am hosting Big Brother! 👁️💥
‘I couldn’t be more ecstatic to front such an iconic show and to do it alongside my amazing friend @iamwillbest is the icing on the cake. Get ready to be obsessed!
‘Big Brother House, I’m coming to get you!’
Will has previous Big Brother experience, having been a frequent panellist on Big Brother’s Big on the Side on Channel 4 between 2013 and 2014.
Recalling how he was a fan of the original show, he said: ‘I grew up with ‘Big Brother’ so getting a chance to host it with my mate AJ is a dream come true. I can’t wait to tell some housemates not to swear.’
AJ was also a co-presenter on the spin-off show and its celebrity version, with her meteoric ascent on TV fueled even further by her spectacular performance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci2lTcCDDiv
She and Mo Gilligan were a tremendous hit on the return of Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast, with many demanding for her to be a regular presence.
One of her most recent television initiatives was The Big Interiors Battle, a Channel 4 show that aimed to spotlight individuals and places that are typically ‘under-represented’ in the media.
AJ and Will will divide the Big Brother hosting responsibilities, managing the weekly evictions and interviewing the housemates about all of the behind-the-scenes gossip.
They’ll also present a live programme every night, delving into the house’s goings-on in minute detail.
‘AJ and Will really are our perfect pairing as we prepare to reintroduce ‘Big Brother’ to the next generation,’ said Paul Mortimer, director of reality commissioning for ITV2 and ITVX.
‘With a genuine chemistry, both of them will bring effortless wit, charm and heaps of character to their roles and we’re delighted to be working with them both again.’
The Big Brother reboot is set to launch on ITV2 and ITVX later this year.
