AJ Odudu shares message from Davina McCall ahead of hosting Big Brother reboot
Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu has revealed her predecessor Davina McCall has given her "blessing" ahead of the iconic reality TV series returning to our screens.
The Lancashire born star, 35, also opened up about "falling into a deep depression" after being axed from one TV job and recalled bouncing back after "so much rejection". In the candid new interview, the star reflected on how far she has come in her career despite previously often being trolled over her Blackburn accent.
In April, AJ and Will Best were announced as the presenters of the new series of Big Brother and its companion show ahead of the show’s anticipated return to ITVX and ITV2 later this year. AJ previously hosted Big Brother's Bit on the Side with Rylan Clark and Emma Willis on Channel 5, and then Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Psych from August 2013.
However, AJ's departure from the Big Brother family was confirmed just a few months later in November 2013, with Celebrity Big Brother 12 contestant and former Loose Women panellist, Carol McGiffin replacing the Strictly Come Dancing star on the Channel 5 shows.
AJ Odudu and Will Best will be hosting Big Brother when it airs on ITV later this year (ITV)Touching on lows during her interview with Grazia magazine, AJ shared how she was "proud" of herself for continuing with her career after being in "a really dark place" and "not wanting to get out of bed". She told the publication: "I've clawed my way back without being horrible, just by working hard and being myself. Back then I didn't even want to get out of my bed."
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AJ went on to add: "I fell into a deep depression because TV just wasn't going my way. Five year's ago I was living on my dads bedroom floor in a council flat. I was like "I don't live where you guys think I live and I'm not doing what you guys think." I felt like a fraud."
The talented presenter also discussed high points from her career, like landing a presenting role on the ITV reboot of Big Brother - something the show's most famous host Davina McCall approves of! "The Queen herself has given me her blessing. She sent me an amazing video when I got the gig saying "you are going to smash it,"' AJ revealed.
Davina was the face of Big Brother on Channel 4 from its premiere back in 2000 until the channel axed it after the 11th series and one final special edition, Ultimate Big Brother, which ended in 2010. Channel 5 quickly picked up the rights to the format and relaunched Big Brother in 2011, with Emma Willis replacing former contestant Brian Dowling as host until its cancellation in 2018.
Earlier this year, as it was announced ITV was bringing Big Brother back with AJ at the helm, AJ told her Instagram followers: "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!"
The presenter later added in a statement confirming the news: “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.”
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