AJ Odudu and Will Best are officially the new Big Brother hosts, ITV has announced.
Last week, Politicalite revealed that AJ and Will were tipped to be the new hosts and now the duo have been confirmed as the presenters for the upcoming ITV revival of the iconic reality show, which is set to make its return later this year on ITV2.
In a tweet announcing the news, BBUK’s and ITVX’s official Twitter account said: “This is Big Brother. @AJOdudu and @iamwillbest please come to the diary room…
“Meet your brand new Big Brother hosts.”
In a statement, ‘The Big Breakfast’ star 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 – who has fronted the likes of ‘Dance, Dance, Dance’ for ITV in the past – was a huge fan of the original show.
He added: “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.”
The pair will split hosting duties as they preside over the weekly evictions and quiz housemates on all the action.
AJ and Will are also set to front an additional live show every night as they debate all the topic topics inside the famous reality TV digs.
Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning for ITV2 and ITVX, commented: “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.”
And 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.”
A source told Politicalite last week: “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.”
IT’S POLITICALITE THAT KNEW IT!
In March Politicalite revealed AJ Odudu teased viewers about an upcoming dose of “Nosestalgia” on Comic Relief, following a documentary about the first series of Celebrity Big Brother that aired moments earlier.
Odudu, 35 was presenting a live link with Paddy McGuinness moments after When Comic Relief Did Big Brother aired with the Northern powerhouse presenter teasing: “along side some rare cuts, forgotten gems and a dose of red nosestalgia” to audience laughter.
You get it Paddy don’t you?” she added, leading fans into a frenzy on social media.
Big Brother fans also went wild at the UK Eurovision launch when she appeared to do a cheeky impression of the OG BBig Mutha Davina McCall’s famous “do you want another one?” line.
In February Politicalite revealed her prime time telly appearance at The BRITs with two of ITV’s biggest stars was a sign the northern powerhouse presenter was set to host ITV2’s reboot of Big Brother kicking off in Autumn.
Big Brother launches on ITV2 in Autumn.
