[Sawyer]

25/04 UPDATE

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:

Spoiler:

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...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.]

Originally Posted by Cherie

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.

[LeatherTrumpet]

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

[Sawyer]

Originally Posted by UserSince2005

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…

[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]

Originally Posted by Cherie

Dont know who Will Best is but here for him

On Radio 1
some years ago

[arista]

Originally Posted by UserSince2005

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]

Originally Posted by Barry.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by UserSince2005

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]

Originally Posted by 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]

Originally Posted by Beastie

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

[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/st...ydjG9zRmzC6bYA

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by 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/st...ydjG9zRmzC6bYA

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?