Big Brother is returning to the UK and the hosts have been revealed. ITV announced that AJ Odudu and Will Best will co-host the iconic show, previously fronted by Davina McCall. The duo will preside over the weekly evictions and quiz housemates on their behaviour in the house over six weeks. They will also host an additional nightly live show.
A new era for Big Brother
Big Brother was first introduced in the UK in 2000 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The reality show, which involves a group of people living together in a house and being monitored by cameras 24/7, ran for 11 seasons on Channel 4 before being acquired by Channel 5. The show ran on Channel 5 for a further seven years before being axed in 2018.
ITV revealed last year that it would be rebooting the show and has now announced the two new hosts who will take over the mantle. AJ Odudu and Will Best will co-host the show and bring their own unique energy to the format.
Who are the new hosts?
AJ Odudu is a British television presenter who has hosted a number of UK formats, including Channel 4’s revival of The Big Breakfast and Comic Relief. She has also worked on shows such as Eurovision and The Voice UK backstage. In addition, she was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, making it to the final three before having to pull out due to injury.
Will Best is also a television presenter, having presented ITV’s Dance, Dance, Dance, as well as a number of shows for E4 and BBC Three.
The new hosts share their excitement
“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,” said AJ Odudu.
Will Best described the news as a “dream come true”.
The return of Big Brother
Big Brother is a show that has aired in numerous territories around the world and has been produced by Banijay-backed Initial in the UK, helmed by reality vet Natalka Znak, who recently joined Banijay. The show was created by Dutch media tycoon John de Mol and first aired in the Netherlands in 1999. Since then, the show has been adapted and broadcast in many countries, including the United States, Germany, and Australia.
The UK version of the show has been produced by Endemol Shine UK (now Banijay UK) since its inception. The new reboot will likely launch in the autumn, with casting currently ongoing. The return of Big Brother has sparked a debate about reboots in UK TV, with ITV also rebooting Deal or No Deal, while the BBC has greenlit new versions of Survivor and Gladiators.
Who are the new hosts of Big Brother UK?
AJ Odudu and Will Best will be the hosts of the rebooted Big Brother UK. Odudu is no stranger to UK television, having previously presented Channel 4's revival of The Big Breakfast, Comic Relief, Eurovision, and The Voice UK backstage. She was also a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, where she made it to the final three before having to withdraw due to injury. Best, on the other hand, presents ITV's Dance, Dance, Dance, along with a number of shows for E4 and BBC Three.
What can we expect from the new series of Big Brother UK?
The new series of Big Brother UK is highly anticipated and is set to launch in the autumn. The rebooted show will likely feature a mix of new and returning housemates, with the hosts presiding over the weekly evictions and quizzing housemates on their experiences in the Big Brother house. The duo will also host an additional nightly live show.
What has been the reaction to the rebooted series of Big Brother UK?
The announcement of the rebooted series of Big Brother UK has sparked a debate about reboots in UK TV, with some viewers expressing excitement about the show's return, while others remain skeptical. However, the new hosts have received positive reviews, with Odudu describing the opportunity to present such an iconic show as "an absolute honor", while Best described the news as a "dream come true".
Who is producing the rebooted series of Big Brother UK?
The rebooted series of Big Brother UK is produced by Banijay-backed Initial in the UK, helmed by reality veteran Natalka Znak, who recently joined Banijay. The show will air on ITV2 and ITVX, and is commissioned by Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2, ITVBe & CITV, and Peter Tierney, Commissioning Editor – Reality. Katy Manley is the Managing Director of Initial, while Tamsin Dodgson is the Creative Director for Big Brother.
How many channels have previously hosted Big Brother UK?
Big Brother UK has been hosted by three channels in the UK. The show was originally launched on Channel 4 in 2000 and was hosted by Davina McCall until its final series in 2010. The show was then picked up by Channel 5, where it was hosted by Emma Willis and later Rylan Clark-Neal. The show was axed by Channel 5 in 2018 after its ratings declined.
What other TV reboots are in the works?
Big Brother UK is not the only TV show set to make a comeback in the near future. ITV is also rebooting Deal or No Deal, while the BBC has greenlit new versions of Survivor and Gladiators.
Conclusion
The return of Big Brother to UK television screens is an exciting prospect for fans of the show. With the announcement of AJ Odudu and Will Best as co-hosts, the anticipation for the reboot is only set to grow. It will be interesting to see how the duo will put their own stamp on the show and how it will be received by audiences.