AJ Odudu is flying high in her career right now, as she returns to our screens to host Celebrity Big Brother – but who is her boyfriend, how did she become famous, and what’s her real name?
She hasn’t looked back since taking part on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, but it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the stunning TV presenter.
Here’s everything you need to know about the CBB host, as the reality show finally lands on ITV1 after months of hype.
What is AJ Odudu famous for?
AJ Odudu is a TV presenter, probably best known nowadays for fronting Big Brother and its Celebrity spin-off. ITV revived the show in 2023, after Channel 5 killed if off in 2018.
AJ has actually been presenting popular culture TV shows ever since 2010, when she first popped up on our screens on The 5:19 Show. Two years later, she played herself in Geordie Shore, before finding her spiritual home with Big Brother. In 2013, she worked as a presenter on Big Brother’s Bit on the Psych, before crossing over to Celebrity Big Brother that same year. She then hosted Big Brother’s Bit on the Side. Sadly she was axed from the show.
In 2019, she became a contestant on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. She joined 11 other famous faces on one of the toughest tests of their lives, for Stand Up To Cancer. Jeff Brazier, and I’m A Celebrity winner Sam Thompson. In 2021, she took part in Cooking With the Stars.
She’s also appeared as a presenter on Don’t Rock the Boat, Lorraine, Morning Live, The One Show, and Comic Relief. In 2021, she was revealed as a host on the rebooted The Big Breakfast.
Of course, Strictly fans will know that AJ took part in the 2021 series. She was partnered with Kai Widdrington, and their on-screen chemistry led many to believe they were dating in real life.
As well as her TV work, AJ Odudu is a qualified personal trainer and sports nutritionist, and runs in her spare time. That explains her epic body in those super-tight all-in-one bodysuits!
Why was AJ Odudu axed from Big Brother’s Bit on the Side?
At the time, AJ said she wasn’t sure why her contract on Big Brother’s Bit on the Side wasn’t renewed by Channel 5. However, she admitted it might be something to do with her accent and appearance. Speaking on the Nobody Told Me podcast, AJ said: “I remember people tweeting: ‘Who is that black girl with that dodgy accent?’ and ‘Why does she sound like that?’
“That made me feel so insecure. People were commenting on things I had no real control over. It didn’t help that someone internally said: ‘AJ, we think you should get some help with your voice. Maybe you can speak clearer and we could soften your accent.'”
She added: “All of my insecurities were being reinforced by the team that were meant to be supporting me. Then, when my contract wasn’t renewed, that was tough.”
What is AJ’s accent?
AJ was born in Blackburn, Lancashire – hence her thick Lancashire accent. Her parents are both Nigerian.
She attended St Bede’’
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