AJ Odudu has shared the supportive message former Big Brother host Davina McCall sent her after it was announced in April that she would host the reboot.
The 35-year-old, who has previously fronted shows including Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, is set to present the upcoming ITV instalment of the reality series alongside Will Best, 38.
The TV presenter has now revealed the supportive words former host Davina, who helmed the Channel 4 series from 2000 until 2010, shared to make her feel comfortable about taking the reins.
In a new interview with Grazia, the former Strictly star shared: “The Queen herself has given me her blessing. [Davina] sent me an amazing video when I got the gig saying, ‘You are going to smash it’”.
When the show returns to screens this October, Odudu and Best will helm the main show together, presiding over the weekly evictions and quizzing housemates on their antics in the famous house.
The duo will also host an additional nightly live show debating all the hot topics inside the house.
Speaking about taking on the role back in April, Odudu said: “I’m so excited to finally be able to say that, yes: I’m hosting Big Brother! I couldn’t be happier.
“Following in the footsteps of some of my favourite broadcasting legends to front such an iconic show is an absolute honour – and to do it alongside my amazing friend Will is the icing on the cake.”
Best added: “I grew up with Big Brother so getting a chance to host it with my mate AJ is a dream come true. I can’t wait to tell some housemates not to swear.”
While ITV2’s director of reality commissioning Paul Mortimer said at the time: “AJ and Will really are our perfect pairing as we prepare to reintroduce ‘Big Brother’ to the next generation.”
He added that the pair had a “genuine chemistry” and would bring “effortless wit, charm and heaps of character to their roles”.
The reality TV series, which was first broadcast on Channel 4 in 2000 before moving to Channel 5 in 2011, will be airing on ITV2 and ITV’s streaming service, ITVX .
