UPDATE: AJ ODUDU and WILL BEST to host main show and nightly spin off - CONFIRMED

[Sawyer]

25/04 UPDATE

https://twitter.com/ITVX/status/1650775401130774535

ITV and Initial (part of Banijay UK) today confirm the new hosts for the forthcoming series of Big Brother and its companion show - AJ Odudu and Will Best - ahead of the show’s hotly anticipated return to ITVX and ITV2 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.

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. Close friend and fellow Big Brother superfan Will meanwhile has presenting credits across major broadcasters including Dance, Dance, Dance for ITV as well as other projects for E4, T4 and BBC Three.

Big Brother is produced by Initial. Launching in 2023, a cast of house mates will be taking up residence in the legendary TV habitat for up to six weeks, with cameras capturing their every move, and the nation following every twist and turn. Casting for the show is ongoing, with wannabe house mates invited to apply via https://www.bigbrother.com/.

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.”

Will 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.”

Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning for ITV2 and ITVX, said “AJ and Will really are our perfect pairing as we prepare to reintroduce Big Brother to the next generation. 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.”

Natalka Znak, CEO of Remarkable Entertainment, Initial and Znak TV, added: “It’s an all-new Big Brother on a new channel and with new hosts. AJ and Will are fresh, with bags of talent, and a real passion for this iconic show. It’s going to be such fun having them at the helm.”

Big Brother is commissioned for ITV2 and ITVX by Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2, ITVBe & CITV, and Peter Tierney, Commissioning Editor - Reality. Katy Manley is MD of Initial and Tamsin Dodgson is Creative Director for Big Brother. Big Brother is one of a number of major format commissions secured by leading entertainment and format producers Natalka Znak and Claire O’Donohoe since joining Banijay last year.



INITIAL REPORTS:
Big Brother presenters revealed as Strictly legend and Channel 4 star


AJ Odudu will be formally unveiled as the host of Big Brother alongside Will Best in the coming days.

The Strictly Come Dancing star will front the reboot alongside former T4 presenter Will when it returns on ITV2 this autumn.

Will, who presented Dance Dance Dance with Alesha Dixon, will also host the show

AJ, 35, and Will, 38, who previously hosted talent show Dance Dance Dance alongside Alesha Dixon, are thrilled at their pairing.

A source said: “AJ has known since last year the Big Brother job was hers but she’s been waiting for her co-host to be confirmed.

“AJ and Will did a brilliant screen test together and their chemistry was brilliant. It was a no brainer. They are great friends too so to be able to work together is really exciting.

“They could not be more excited about joining forces to bring back Big Brother.

“AJ and Will are going to be formally announced by ITV really soon and they can’t wait to get stuck in.”

The Sun first revealed how AJ was finalising terms of her deal with ITV back in November.

She was chosen out of a legion of stars to host the show and beat off competition from stars including Alison Hammond, Emily Atack and Vick Hope.

The job is a big step-up for AJ, who previously hosted Big Brother’s Bit On The Side in 2013.

Will came to prominence as a presenter on Channel 4’s teen show T4 in 2011 and has presented dating show Love Shaft on E4.

He hosted Dance Dance Dance alongside Alesha Dixon in 2017.
Big Brother will be back on-screen on ITV2 and ITVX this summer – with housemates moving into a brand-new pad in London.

The show first aired as a social experiment on Channel 4 for ten years from July 2000.

Channel 5 later acquired the rights and relaunched the show in 2011.
It was was hosted by former winner Brian Dowling, 43, before Emma Willis, 46, took over presenting duties in 2013.

The last series in 2018 was won by Cameron Cole, 18 — the franchise’s youngest winner.

A spokesman for ITV said: "No talent are currently confirmed for the show and announcements will be made in due course."


It is thought Will will be the spin off host, but not confirmed.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/22068827/big-brother-presenters-strictly-aj-odudu-will-best/amp/

[Cherie]

Dont know who Will Best is but here for him

[Sawyer]

He seems like a competent, well rounded and likeable guy which is more we got from the channel 5 era! Emma aside!

[Barry.]

Dont know who Will Best is but here for him

He was a T4 presenter (the morning channel 4 and e4 mornings that showed The Hollyoaks repeats, Smallville etc)

I’m excited for these two.

[UserSince2005]

two presenters though? will be a mess. im thinking Jackie O and Kyle levels of mess.

[Crimson Dynamo]

2013–2014 Big Brother's Bit on the Side Regular panellist Channel 5

https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/nintchdbpict000293059209.jpg?crop=1594px%2C33px%2C 2943px%2C1960px&resize=620%2C413

[Sawyer]

two presenters though? will be a mess. im thinking Jackie O and Kyle levels of mess.

I doubt it’ll be 2 presenters on the main show, it’s likely Will will present the spin off

[Sawyer]

oh… https://twitter.com/jackhardwick93/status/1648014306292760576?s=46&t=fSiPm6gS94VyvjZ3GYCbNw

[GoldHeart]

Why doesn't he host bits on the side ??? .

Not sure BB will work with 2 main presenters.

[Oliver_W]

Despite being very likeable, AJ as a solo presenter would be a bit of wet lettuce. Like Brian Dowling. You can't not like him, but as BB host he sucked.

[arista]

Dont know who Will Best is but here for him


On Radio 1
some years ago

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p05rthnp.jpg

[arista]

two presenters though? will be a mess. im thinking Jackie O and Kyle levels of mess.



But one could be outside

[BBDodge]

We need some news to enliven expectations so hopefully this becomes official real soon.

[UKTVForever]

This should be official in a few weeks time

[Mystic Mock]

He was a T4 presenter (the morning channel 4 and e4 mornings that showed The Hollyoaks repeats, Smallville etc)

I’m excited for these two.

They're going off the same profile that Channel 4 did when they hired Dermot O'Leary which I'm here for.

[Mystic Mock]

Despite being very likeable, AJ as a solo presenter would be a bit of wet lettuce. Like Brian Dowling. You can't not like him, but as BB host he sucked.

Brian was too stiff in the role unfortunately.

[bbuk_fans]

AJ confirmed to be on Lorraine tomorrow morning. According to twitter it's mainly for promo for her upcoming channel 4 show, but who knows, maybe there will be a bb announcement to talk about as well

[Nicky91]

two presenters though? will be a mess. im thinking Jackie O and Kyle levels of mess.

we also have two presenters tho, although we have a dutch/flemish combined one

first 2 comeback years it was Geraldine Kemper & Peter van der Veire (yes belgian mr eurosong)

but this year, due to Peter having other work at VRT, his replacement was Tatyana Beloy


Germany's also has two presenters: Marlene Lufen & Jochen Schropp, as well as two other presenters for the sideshow: Melissa Khalaj & Jochen Bendel


and in more german shows we have two presenters

Lets Dance: Daniel Hartwich & Victoria Swarovski (with Jan Koppen whom has been a stand in for Daniel last few years when he was ill)
Ich Bin Ein Star (I'm a Celeb): Jan Koppen & Sonja Zietlow

Ninja Warrior has 1 presenter, 2 commentators: hosting role - Laura Wontorra, commentary role: Frank ''Buschi'' Buschmann & Jan Koppen


while in my nation

Expeditie Robinson (Survivor NL) also has two presenters
as of this year that'll be Art Rooijakkers & Nicolette Kluijver


two presenters are better

[Beastie]

Who will be Bit on the Side presenters? I want it to be Russell Kane and Abi Clark.

[bbuk_fans]

AJ confirmed to be on Lorraine tomorrow morning. According to twitter it's mainly for promo for her upcoming channel 4 show, but who knows, maybe there will be a bb announcement to talk about as well

Doesn't look like there will be any announcement for this interview

[Nicky91]

Who will be Bit on the Side presenters? I want it to be Russell Kane and Abi Clark.

Bit on the Side presenters should be: national treasure Biggins & Gemma Owen

:cool:

[bbuk_fans]

No announcements on Lorraine. A passing comment by Lorraine was made about AJ's name being thrown in the hat for BB host, but there was no response from AJ on that specifically. Another day perhaps..

[bbuk_fans]

Marcus Bentley has liked a tweet by ICYMI.co.uk, an online publication that has previously interviewed him.

"We feel like this is going to be a big week for
@bbuk fans. @marcusBBbentley @AJOdudu @iamwillbest @ITVX ��"

https://twitter.com/icymiofficial/status/1650386588507992064?s=12&t=ntLVCy_RydjG9zRmzC6bYA

[Mystic Mock]

Marcus Bentley has liked a tweet by ICYMI.co.uk, an online publication that has previously interviewed him.

"We feel like this is going to be a big week for
@bbuk fans. @marcusBBbentley @AJOdudu @iamwillbest @ITVX ��"

https://twitter.com/icymiofficial/status/1650386588507992064?s=12&t=ntLVCy_RydjG9zRmzC6bYA

They're looking likely to be our Presenters then.

Hopefully they'll be good.

[Sawyer]

i wonder if they’re just assuming somethings coming or if they know of an embargoed release?

[bbuk_fans]

i wonder if they’re just assuming somethings coming or if they know of an embargoed release?

I think there's some level of assumption here - icymi isn't a huge publication. If there was a embargoed press release, we'd probably have seen some teasers from other publications by now (or maybe they're still to come, who knows)

But, I think it's quite signifcant for Marcus to like the tweet. I don't think he would if there wasn't some substance to it. Not forgetting Will shared a pic of him and AJ on his instagram story last week after the Sun leak - I might just be putting 2 and 2 together there but I can't help but connect the dots.

[Sawyer]

deleted.

[bbuk_fans]

Lol @ whoever posted in here there was an embargoed press release for midnight. There wasn’t.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BigAsher]

I think today's the day, loads of twitter pages posting about news or posting eyes, a host reveal is bound to happen!

[Nicky91]

hoping Will makes it all about himself rather than the irrelevant housemates and other irrelevant big brother stuff


The Will Best Show, because he truly is the best hunk sexbomb on uk telly, pun very much intended

[Denver]

1650775740000993280?t=i5HqbtkWrau5UATDZRhUNg&s=19

[bbuk_fans]

I'm so happy to finally have this confirmed!

AJ is the complete natural choice and has come full circle from her BOTS days 10 years ago.

Whilst I don't know much about Will, having seen a few clips he seems like a great presenter. AJ and Will are friends so I'm sure they're friendship will translate to screen really well.

[Cherie]

Yay its happening guys ....:dance: very happy with AJ think she will be brilliant

[Niamh.]

Great news, AJ will be brilliant :love:

[Liam-]

No Rylan :worship:

Not sure how I feel about 2 presenters for the main show, but I love both of these choices, AJ was very clearly the best option to bring the show forward

[Niamh.]

I don't know Will Best but also glad he's not Rylan....

[arista]

Yay its happening guys ....:dance: very happy with AJ think she will be brilliant


Will she?

ITV do not trust her on her own

[Niamh.]

Will she?

ITV do not trust her on her own

I doubt it's that they don't trust her on her own, they seem to like a double act - Ant & Dec, Holly & Phil etc plus it's not been done with BB before either so it'll be a new feature for BB ITV

[BBDodge]

I doubt it's that they don't trust her on her own, they seem to like a double act - Ant & Dec, Holly & Phil etc plus it's not been done with BB before either so it'll be a new feature for BB ITV

They experimented with 2 interviewers for eviction nights. It was crap.

[Niamh.]

They experimented with 2 interviewers for eviction nights. It was crap.

Will they both be doing the interviews then? I guess two people interviewing 1 evictee won't be as focused or intense especially if it's a disliked/controversial HM

[Denver]

They are both the Main show hosts as well as the spin off show hosts

[Niamh.]

They are both the Main show hosts as well as the spin off show hosts

Oh interesting. That's also a first, not sure if I like the idea of them doing both :think: Time will tell

[Denver]

Oh interesting. That's also a first, not sure if I like the idea of them doing both :think: Time will tell

Davina use to host Big Mouth at one point

[joe199998293]

So happy for AJ, worked with her last year on a TV show and she was as lovely as she is on screen. Don’t know much about Will, but good luck to them!

[Niamh.]

Davina use to host Big Mouth at one point

Oh yeah, i had forgotten about that

[bbuk_fans]

We'll see how its arranged if they do both do the side show every night, but doing live telly 6 days a week for 6 weeks is a big job, they're obviously both very committed to the show (which I didn't doubt for one second)

[joe199998293]

https://twitter.com/itvx/status/1650842372903690241?s=46&t=kf6zw1JsNDk9zCmfpwYbyA

ITV tease Celebrity version coming too??

[rusticgal]

Dont know him but AJ is made for it...good choice.

[James]

Is this the official eye logo?

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1635628228508303360/0Q6W7hlI_400x400.png

Remember when people when crazy on here about seeing the logo?

[TiBB Frontpage Article]

James has posted a new TiBB frontpage article.

https://pictures.thisisbigbrother.com/userpics/10433/normal_AJOduda-WillBest.png (https://pictures.thisisbigbrother.com/userpics/10433/AJOduda-WillBest.png)

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.....

Excerpt of article quoted above. Read full article here - https://www.thisisbigbrother.com/bbreturn/news-385255/hosts-aj-odudu-and-will-best-confirmed.html

[Jodie.]

Is this the official eye logo?

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1635628228508303360/0Q6W7hlI_400x400.png

Remember when people when crazy on here about seeing the logo?

Strongly doubt it, I believe this is a temporary placeholder with the ITV2 colour scheme before they release the official eye closer to launch

That being said, I wonder which form they’ll take the eye in - back to the Eatock days or continuing with the C5 logo? Or maybe something entirely different, akin to BB19? Exciting times ahead!

[bbuk_fans]

I get the feeling Rylan isn't best pleased, he isn't following BBUK on Twitter & Instagram anymore, or AJ. His last instagram story (although might be a joke) is him saying he's listening to Judas by Lady Gaga

Whilst maybe a lot of people were expecting him to be part of the the reboot and I'm totally grateful for him flying our bbbuk flag during the hiatus, being bitter isn't the best look. Emma on the other hand, commented her congratulations to AJ which was nice to see.

[Sawyer]

I get the feeling Rylan isn't best pleased, he isn't following BBUK on Twitter & Instagram anymore, or AJ. His last instagram story (although might be a joke) is him saying he's listening to Judas by Lady Gaga ��

Whilst maybe a lot of people were expecting him to be part of the the reboot and I'm totally grateful for him flying our bbbuk flag during the hiatus, being bitter isn't the best look. Emma on the other hand, commented her congratulations to AJ which was nice to see.

Not a good look… and to be honest he shouldn’t just assume that he had automatic rights to host. Yes he’s been enthusiastic but AJ and Will have as much right as he does.

The absolute correct decision to not re hire him. He’s a decent presenter but for the shows survival it needed to leave the campy channel 5 stuff behind. And I use the word ‘campy’ as a big lover of Drag Race and Soapy moments in EastEnders. I just don’t think the campy approach is right for Big Brother.

[Niamh.]

Thank god he's not involved, he made everything about him all the time when he was presenting

[madman411]

Two main show hosts? Yuck. Still excited though.

[Beastie]

It needs to be new and fresh. No Rylan or Emma.
Russell Kane and Abi Clarke to host the spin off show plz x

[Beastie]

Proud of AJ. She's long overdue the big break she deserves!

[MTVN]

I get the feeling Rylan isn't best pleased, he isn't following BBUK on Twitter & Instagram anymore, or AJ. His last instagram story (although might be a joke) is him saying he's listening to Judas by Lady Gaga

Whilst maybe a lot of people were expecting him to be part of the the reboot and I'm totally grateful for him flying our bbbuk flag during the hiatus, being bitter isn't the best look. Emma on the other hand, commented her congratulations to AJ which was nice to see.

I like Rylan but I agree with you and Sawyer, it's not a great look at all and it's not AJ's fault they've opted for her over him

[Liam-]

He was probably hoping for the job alongside her after their bits for Eurovision together, it’s a smart business decision to not have him involved, no matter what people say, he’s not a serious presenter and a reboot needs to go back to the old days, not the camp, over the top mess it became in the final couple of series

[UserSince2005]

Rylan was hoping to host to find his next husband

[Cherie]

Rylan needs to get over himself...AJ is hardly going to turn down the job beause he is not involved...he has plenty work and I think its a good thing not to involve him or Emma in the reboot

[Nicky91]

Proud of AJ. She's long overdue the big break she deserves!

https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1488234125/nl/foto/aj-odudu-attends-the-national-lotterys-big-eurovision-welcome-event-outside-st-georges-hall-on.jpg?s=2048x2048&w=gi&k=20&c=eTVAkuQ0JEf-MaYbr-ItDxW8FzVwts80lFd_hQazepQ=

Yup, definitely a good choice for BB presenter


on sunday she hosted National Lottery's Big Eurovision Welcome alongside another current top presenter Joel Dommett


she did great too, i saw in last nights highlights of that, looking good either

[andybigbro]

Will be interesting to see what BB will be like with two main show hosts.

[arista]

Will be interesting to see what BB will be like with two main show hosts.

Yes it will be a major change


Arriving around this August
on ITV2HD

[BBDodge]

4th quarter (October-December).

[Liam-]

https://twitter.com/supertv247/status/1679888327636398089?s=46&t=-V1HH0UJyce-tDsLnymASQ

This is encouraging :flutter:

[Oliver_W]

https://twitter.com/supertv247/status/1679888327636398089?s=46&t=-V1HH0UJyce-tDsLnymASQ

This is encouraging :flutter:
Very :D

Yes it will be a major change

Major Change! *salutes*

[Niamh.]

Brilliant news

[James]

The applications are still open - https://www.bigbrother.com/

FURTHER UPDATE: Closing date for applications extended to Thursday 27th July 2023 at midnight

[BBDodge]

Still haven't found enough non-wannabes then.

[arista]

The applications are still open - https://www.bigbrother.com/



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They must have all your Data

[ThisIsMarkus]

https://twitter.com/lemontwittor/status/1681207989238128641?s=20

[madman411]

https://twitter.com/lemontwittor/status/1681207989238128641?s=20

Oh man. Love Keith's throwback to Bo Selecta BB skits.

Please please please let Will be the host of the BBLB-esq spinoff and AJ hosts the main show alone. We really don't need TWO main presenters on entrance and eviction nights.