AJ Odudu is reportedly considering a move from ITV to the BBC after her reality fashion show M&S: Dress the Nation was axed and Celebrity Big Brother was delayed. The 38-year-old presenter has sparked speculation she may cut ties with ITV to pursue bigger roles at the BBC.
AJ Odudu Set for Celebrity Gladiators
According to a report, Odudu has landed a role on the celebrity version of the BBC's Gladiators, swapping her stylish outfits for Lycra as a contestant. This would mark a return to the BBC for Odudu, who was a frontrunner to win Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 before an injury forced her out.
A source told The Sun: "The timing of this is particularly interesting because, since she did spectacularly well on Strictly in 2021, she hasn’t done any big shows for the Beeb. Instead, she seems to have focused her energies on ITV — but now a couple of her shows are facing the chop, and Gladiators has come along. It will leave some people in TV Land wondering whether she might be considering making a long-term move back to where things really took off for her."
ITV Projects Axed or Delayed
Odudu co-hosted M&S: Dress the Nation alongside Vernon Kay, 52, but the reality fashion competition was axed after two seasons. Additionally, Celebrity Big Brother, which Odudu hosts alongside Will Best, 41, has been ditched for 2026 and may not return in 2027. The pair have helmed the Big Brother franchise since it returned on ITV in 2023.
Will Best Joins Strictly 2026
Odudu is not the only Big Brother host heading to the BBC this autumn. Her co-host Will Best will be a contestant on the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing. After his appointment was announced, Will said: "I can’t quite believe it…I’m doing Strictly! What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one. I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait! I have no idea if I can actually dance, but bring on the sequins, bring on the quicksteps, bring on the dance floor! I’m going to try to enjoy every minute of it."
The 2026 season of Strictly will see Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe take over as hosts following the exit of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Will will join Paralympic cyclist and swimmer Dame Sarah Storey, EastEnders star Lacey Turner, Australian pop singer Delta Goodrem, hairdresser Chris Appleton, and former Love Island contestants Dani Dyer and Cach Mercer in the line-up. Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood are set to return as judges.
BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips said in May: "Emma, Johannes, and Josh’s chemistry is undeniable. There’s been so much speculation and hype, so I’m relieved we can share the news with the public at last. I’d like to thank all the brilliant people we saw before making this tough decision. But the most beloved ballroom in the UK always leads the way, and in a Strictly first we have chosen three outstanding hosts to take up the mantle. Along with our amazing Strictly team, who are busy planning fabulous and unforgettable treats for this new series, I know this terrific trio can’t wait to join our judges and pros to bring us must-see TV on the BBC this autumn."
The Mirror has contacted AJ's representatives for comment.
