PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLA GULER
STYLING BY SOPHIE DEARDEN
MAKEUP BY MARIA ASADI
HAIR BY CARL CAMPBELL
DIRECTION BY ESTER MALLOY
WEARING ATSUKO KUDO BODYSUIT

From ‘A Little Bit of Action’ songstress Nadia Almada becoming one of the first openly trans women on television to Courtney Act shattering gender norms with her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, Big Brother memorably blazed a trail for LGBTQIA+ representation in the UK. There’s also lesbian ex-nun Anna Nolan, Brian Dowling succeeding Davina McCall as host and Luke Anderson becoming the series’ first-ever trans male champion. And while not explicitly queer, Tiffany Polland’s “old maiden shoes” sermon and “David is dead!” controversy still permeates the minds of all living LGBT’s (me).

“We didn’t realise how progressive [Big Brother] was, so I’m glad that we’re bringing that back to screens at a time where we there’s so much confusion [around LGBTQIA+ issues],” AJ Odudu tells GAY TIMES. The Blackburn icon, who previously hosted Big Brother’s Little Bit on the Side, is set to co-host the highly-anticipated reboot with Will Best, which she hails as one of the most “diverse and interesting” seasons in the show’s history.

While AJ is introduced to the cast at the same time as the audience, she promises this season will “offer the diversity and the stories” that the public have been gagging to see: “The beauty of this show is that it’s open to everyone. You don’t need to be able to bake, sing, be young, be single, be hot. You can literally be anyone from any walk of life, but just be interesting.”

Premiering 8 October (tomorrow!) on ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX, Big Brother will boast a “contemporary new look” and, once again, “the public plays a crucial role, voting throughout the series and ultimately determining the winner.” The regular series will be followed by Big Brother: Late & Live, where the co-hosts reflect on the episode in front of a live studio audience and celebrity guests.

Here, AJ Odudu chats with GT about this exciting new era for Big Brother, how the original series was “groundbreaking” for LGBTQIA+ visibility and the legendary stars that she wants to see on the inevitable Celebrity Big Brother reboot (we’re manifesting!).

AJ Odudu! How are things?

It’s hectic times! Obviously, I’m so excited gearing up for Big Brother. I feel like we’ve talked about it for ages and now it’s here, it’s upon us. Life is happening at the same time. I just got back from pilates, I’m ready to be tight and right for the launch. So yeah, a lot is happening!

‘What does life look like for a Big Brother host ahead of the launch?’ was my next question, but you’ve provided me with my answer: boring!

Do you know what I mean? It’s so funny, actually, I recently went to Vogue World and it was the crème de la crème of fashion. I’m being greeted down the red carpet by Edward Enninful and Anna Wintour and rubbing shoulders with Leonardo DiCaprio. I’m having breakfast the next day at The Savoy with Ncuti Gatwa and Saffron Hocking. Then, I immediately get back to my flat and someone is drilling into my wall. There’s pandemonium happening and I’ve still gotta put on my weekly wash, load and unload the dishwasher. It’s very that at the moment. I’m taking it all in me stride and I’m loving it.