Following ITV’s major reshuffle of its daytime output, the broadcaster announced Celebrity Big Brother would be rested this year, but the future of the show is uncertain
AJ Odudu may leave Big Brother as show’s future uncertain amid ITV money woes(Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Ima)
Big Brother host AJ Odudu could be set to leave the reality show, as ITV‘s financial worries continue, leaving the future of the show uncertain. The 37-year-old has co-hosted Big Brother since 2023, with the Strictly finalist joining Celebrity Big Brother in 2024.
Blackburn native AJ has also hosted The Big Breakfast, as well as appearing on shows including Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Married at First Sight UK: Afters, and Lorraine. But her days on Big Brother could be numbered, as she has been given the option to leave the show after bosses confirmed the celebrity version would be taking a break until 2027.
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Due to start this spring, the postponement means that her and co-star Will Best will need to wait until Big Brother starts in September – although even that is not yet confirmed. It would be a cost-cutting exercise for the broadcaster, akin to the days when Davina McCall hosted on Channel 4.
The Sun reported an insider said: “Both hosts will plan most of their other TV work around fronting Big Brother, but that’s incredibly difficult when so much is up in the air. AJ, in particular, will have plenty of offers and usually makes decisions on taking other jobs based on recording dates for BB, as it’s her biggest gig and commitment.
“The uncertainty puts her and Will in a tricky position. One of them could still remain on the show as traditionally there has only been one presenter.”
The celebrity version of the show is more expensive, and its delay to next spring will save ITV money, but it means there will be a two-year gap between the series. It was also moved from ITV1 to ITV2 following a disagreement over the cost with production company Endemol.
ITV boss Kevin Lygo explained the issue at the Edinburgh TV festival last year. He said: “Celebrity Big Brother we’re looking at. We’re thinking not on the main channel, that’s the answer.
“It’s so difficult now to book big celebrities, famous people, which is what we need on the main channel. Whereas you can go more interesting and niche on ITV2.
“We’re in a battle with [production company] Banijay about the price. It does really well for us on ITVX. It’s a really important, crucial show. I love it and it does a tremendous job for us so, yes, it’s coming back.”
The Late And Live spin-off, which AJ and Will hosted, was also axed. AJ Odudu’s reps and ITV have been approached for comment.
ITV’s reshuffle is hoped to relieve some of the broadcasters financial issues, and has seen morning chat show Lorraine lose its long-standing hour long slot. Fronted by Lorraine Kelly, the show now airs from 9.30am until 10, having its airtime cut in half.
Lorraine can also only broadcast on 30 weeks of the year, with ITV hoping to save money by making the cuts. During the 22 weeks Lorraine is off-air, Good Morning Britain will extend its run until 10am, adding an extra hour to its schedule.
Good Morning Britain has also been changed from 6am to 9am, extended until 9.30am, with production shifted from ITV Studios to ITN. Loose Women has also been affected and will too run seasonally for 30 weeks of the year.
Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of ITV’s Media and Entertainment Division, explained: “Daytime is a really important part of what we do, and these scheduling and production changes will enable us to continue to deliver a schedule providing viewers with the news, debate and discussion they love from the presenters they know and trust, as well as generating savings which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres.”
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