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Big Brother host AJ Odudu could be set to leave the reality show, as ITV’s financial worries continue, leaving the future of the show uncertain. The 37-year-old has co-hosted Big Brother since 2023, with the Strictly finalist joining Celebrity Big Brother in 2024.
Blackburn native AJ has also hosted The Big Breakfast, as well as appearing on shows including Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Married at First Sight UK: Afters, and Lorraine. However, her days on Big Brother could be numbered as she has been given the option to leave the show after bosses confirmed that the celebrity version would be taking a break until 2027.
Originally set to start this spring, the postponement means that AJ and co-star Will Best will need to wait until Big Brother starts in September—if it even does at all. This move marks a cost-cutting exercise for the broadcaster, reminiscent of the days when Davina McCall hosted on Channel 4.
The Sun reported that an insider noted, “Both hosts will plan most of their other TV work around fronting Big Brother, but that’s incredibly difficult when so much is up in the air. AJ, in particular, will have plenty of offers and usually makes decisions on taking other jobs based on recording dates for BB, as it’s her biggest gig and commitment.” The source added, “The uncertainty puts her and Will in a tricky position. One of them could still remain on the show as traditionally there has only been one presenter.”
The celebrity version of the show is more expensive, and its delay will save ITV money; however, this also leads to a two-year gap between series. The shift from ITV1 to ITV2 followed a disagreement over costs with production company Endemol. ITV boss Kevin Lygo explained the situation last year, mentioning the challenges of booking big celebrities and the ongoing negotiations regarding pricing.
In addition to the Big Brother concerns, ITV’s reshuffling is intended to alleviate financial issues, leading to cutbacks in various shows. The morning chat show Lorraine has seen its hour-long slot halved, while Good Morning Britain will extend its runtime, and Loose Women will run seasonally for only 30 weeks a year.
Kevin Lygo remarked: “Daytime is a really important part of what we do, and these scheduling and production changes will enable us to continue to deliver a schedule providing viewers with the news, debate and discussion they love.”
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