Davina McCall has disclosed that she proactively contacted ITV to present the revived Big Brother series, only to be unequivocally rejected. The 58-year-old television personality, who became synonymous with the original Channel 4 run from 2000 to 2010, admitted on the Business Growth Secrets podcast that she volunteered for the role but was passed over in favour of new hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best.
McCall's Secret Pitch to ITV
Speaking to entrepreneur Adam Scott, McCall revealed: 'I've got a secret to tell you actually. When they started Big Brother on ITV, I put myself forward to present it and they went with new presenters. But I was like, look can I please just be pre-titles and just go "fancy another one" but they didn't want me to do that, and I was like: "F**k".' She added that her attachment to the show was profound: 'I love that show so much, it was in my DNA.'
Fan Reaction to the Rejection
The revelation has ignited strong reactions among fans. Lewis wrote on X: 'ITV fumbled so bad, Davina IS Big Brother.' Another user, BB_Superfan, declared: 'This certainly would have enhanced the credibility of the show immeasurably. The OG back with the OG "Big Mother". It's really shocking they let Davina slip through their fingers.' Demi called it a 'diabolical decision,' while Matt labelled it 'INSANITY.' TwellyWatcher reflected: 'As much as AJ and Will have grown on me and I like them as a duo, Davina would have been (and still would be) the best host for Big Brother. She *is* Big Brother.'
Mixed Sentiments on Reddit
On Reddit, opinions were divided. Direct_Future_5328 noted: 'Part of me can't believe ITV passed on Davina McCall, but another part thinks she may have had a lucky escape. As disappointing as it sounds, at least she's not tied to the much softer, watered-down version of the show we ended up with.' MARN-E added: 'Honestly, as someone who doesn't mind AJ and Will, I think it was a massive mistake. Davina would've given a totally different Big Brother and would've added so much charm and nostalgia.'
McCall's Previous Comments on the Reboot
When the ITV reboot was announced in 2023, McCall expressed mixed feelings. She told The Chris Moyles Show: 'Of course I would have done it. I'm being really honest now, but in retrospect, I don't think it would have been the right fit for me. It's nostalgic for me. It's come a long way since I hosted it, and I am a different person.' She also previously posted about having 'fomo' (fear of missing out) and said in an interview: 'New start, fresh start, younger. I do understand, and I think it's quite a good idea.'
Big Brother's Evolution and Future
McCall reflected on how the show has changed: 'It's changed now and it will never be what it was at the beginning, because people know what it is. They know what to expect. They know what's going to happen after. They always kind of semi-know they are being watched. Whereas people at the beginning, it really was an extraordinary human experiment. It was incredible at the time.' Big Brother is set to return for an extended eight-week series this autumn on ITV.
McCall's Health and Career Shift
McCall recently opened up about stepping back from full-time work after two health scares: a brain tumour operation and subsequent surgery for early-stage breast cancer. On the Miss Me? podcast earlier this year, she said: 'Interestingly, I realised that, but then the breast cancer, which I thought was a very, very frightening thing, made me realise that I really, really had to put that into place. And I have now. I'm going to work a four-day week. I feel so much better now about my life and trying to get it more balanced. I want to take more care of myself. That is my latest project: me, because I can't take care of anyone else if I'm not okay.'
Metro has reached out to ITV for comment on McCall's claims.
