After much speculation, ITV2 has finally announced who will be hosting the highly-anticipated return of Big Brother later this year and the return of a nightly companion show.
After it was announced that the Big Brother house has a brand new home on ITV2, making its much-anticipated return to UK television, speculation has been rife as to who might host the reality TV revival.
Today, that speculation ends as ITV2 confirm that AJ Odudu (herself no stranger to Big Brother) and Will Best will co-host the new series together.
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.
AJ is a firm telly favourite, having recently co-hosted another revival, The Big Breakfast as well as hosting on Comic Relief and as part of the Eurovision family. She 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.
Speaking about hosting Big Brother, AJ Odudu 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."
To which Will Best 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."
Produced by Initial, Big Brother will launch later this year and see a cast of housemates 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.
ITV2 and ITVX's Director of Reality Commissioning, Paul Mortimer, 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."
To which CEO of Remarkable Entertainment, Initial and Znak TV, Natalka Znak 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."
Casting for the show is ongoing, with wannabe housemates invited to apply here.
Big Brother returns later this year on ITV2