Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu is reportedly considering stepping down from her role following the news that the Celebrity edition of the hit reality show will not return until 2027.
Schedule Shake-Up Sparks Host Uncertainty
The future of the celebrity spin-off was thrown into doubt earlier this month when ITV confirmed it would be moving from the main channel to its sister station, ITV2. Insiders have now revealed that Celebrity Big Brother will be rested until 2027, a gap of around two years from its usual spring slot.
An ITV spokesperson previously addressed the rumours, stating: ‘We are committed to both Celebrity Big Brother and Big Brother beyond 2025, and scheduling for any new series will be confirmed in due course.’ They highlighted the show's success, noting it had recently achieved 150 million streams on ITVX.
Presenter Dilemma and Potential Exit
This extended hiatus has placed hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best in a difficult position regarding their long-term commitments. A source told The Sun that the uncertainty makes planning other television work incredibly challenging.
‘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 insider explained. ‘The uncertainty puts her and Will in a tricky position.’
The source added that one of the hosts could leave the show, which would also represent a substantial cost saving for ITV. Given that the duo joined as a pair in 2023, one departing could encourage the other to follow.
ITV's Stance and Future Plans
Despite the challenges, ITV's Director of Television, Kevin Lygo, expressed optimism about the show's future at the Edinburgh TV Festival in 2025. He cited difficulties in booking major celebrities for the main channel as a key reason for the move to ITV2.
‘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,’ Lygo said, confirming the show was ‘a really important, crucial show’ that would return.
While the celebrity version is on hiatus, the civilian series of Big Brother, which last aired in November 2025, is expected to return towards the end of 2026. AJ Odudu, who first presented a Big Brother after-show over a decade ago, returned to helm the main reboot and its celebrity counterpart for ITV in 2023.
