AJ Odudu may be set to leave Big Brother as ITV's financial struggles cast doubt on the show's future. The 37-year-old presenter has co-hosted the reality series since 2023, alongside Will Best, and also fronted the celebrity version in 2024.
The uncertainty stems from ITV's decision to postpone the celebrity edition until 2027, a cost-cutting measure that also saw the spin-off 'Late And Live' axed. An insider told The Sun that the delay puts both hosts in a 'tricky position', as they plan other work around Big Brother commitments. The source noted that Odudu, in particular, receives many offers and bases her decisions on the show's recording dates.
The celebrity version was moved from ITV1 to ITV2 following a dispute over costs with production company Endemol. ITV boss Kevin Lygo explained at the Edinburgh TV festival that booking big celebrities for the main channel has become difficult, but the show performs well on ITVX.
ITV's wider financial woes have also led to cuts in daytime programming, with 'Lorraine' losing its hour-long slot and now airing for only 30 weeks a year. 'Loose Women' will also run seasonally. Lygo said these changes will generate savings to reinvest in other genres.
