If you’ve watched British TV in the last few years, chances are you’ve seen AJ Odudu’s infectious smile lighting up the screen — from co-hosting Big Brother on ITV2 to dazzling on Strictly Come Dancing. But beyond the glitz, there’s more to her story: her Nigerian heritage, her candid takes on love and beauty, and the hard work behind her polished on-screen persona.
Full name: Onatejiro Odudu ·
Born: 12 February 1988 ·
Age: 37 (as of 2025) ·
Occupation: Television presenter ·
Known for: Co-hosting Big Brother (ITV2, 2023–present), Strictly Come Dancing contestant (2021)
Quick snapshot
- Full name Onatejiro Odudu (John Noel Management)
- Born 12 February 1988 in Blackburn, England (Wikipedia)
- Co-hosts Big Brother since 2023 (Wikipedia)
- Strictly contestant in 2021 (HELLO! Magazine)
- Current relationship status (she has said she is “way too busy to date”)
- Whether she is engaged or planning to marry (rumored engagement in June 2025, unconfirmed)
- Exact nature of rumored links with Peter Gibson, Kai Widdrington, and Will Best
- 12 Feb 1988 – Born in Blackburn (IMDb)
- 2009 – First TV appearance on The 5:19 Show (Wikipedia)
- 2021 – Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing (HELLO! Magazine)
- 2023 – Began co-hosting Big Brother on ITV2 (Wikipedia)
- 2024 – Hosted series with Marks & Spencer (Wikipedia)
- Continues as co-presenter of Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother on ITV2
- Potential expansion into more lifestyle and entertainment presenting
- Growing beauty and fashion influencer presence on social media
Five key facts about AJ Odudu, one thing they share: a career built on versatility and a personal story that keeps the public curious.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Onatejiro Odudu (John Noel Management) |
| Born | 12 February 1988 (Wikipedia) |
| Age | 37 (as of 2025) |
| Occupation | Television presenter |
| Known for | Co-hosting Big Brother (ITV2, 2023–present), Strictly Come Dancing contestant (2021) |
What is AJ Odudu famous for?
AJ Odudu is a British television presenter who rose to prominence through a mix of reality TV and entertainment hosting. She first appeared on the radar as a reporter on Big Brother’s Bit on the Side in 2013 (Metro). Since then, she has become one of the UK’s leading presenters, according to her management (John Noel Management).
Early career and breakthrough
After studying English and Politics at Keele University, AJ began her broadcasting career at BBC Radio Lancashire (OK! Magazine). She then moved into television, presenting backstage coverage for The Voice UK and The Voice Kids, and serving as a contributing editor at Grazia (Metro).
Big Brother and reality TV hosting
In 2023, AJ Odudu began co-hosting Big Brother on ITV2 alongside Will Best, a role she continued into 2024 with Celebrity Big Brother (Wikipedia). She also presented Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Psych for Channel 5 (Metro).
Strictly Come Dancing appearance
AJ Odudu was a contestant on the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with professional dancer Kai Widdrington (HELLO! Magazine). The pairing sparked romance rumors, which both later denied. Her stint on the show cemented her status as a household name.
AJ Odudu’s career trajectory shows a deliberate shift from behind-the-scenes roles to front-of-camera flagship shows. Her ability to move between reality, music, and lifestyle formats has made her a versatile asset for UK broadcasters. For aspiring presenters, the lesson is clear: start where you can, and build breadth.
What is AJ Odudu’s ethnicity?
AJ Odudu is of Nigerian heritage, born to Nigerian parents who raised her in Blackburn, Lancashire, England (John Noel Management). She is one of eight children in the family (John Noel Management).
Family background
Her parents are Nigerian, and she has spoken about the influence of her mother’s natural beauty routine. In an interview, AJ noted that her mother’s approach was “very minimal and very natural” (The Independent).
Place of birth
AJ was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, on 12 February 1988 (IMDb). She grew up in the town and later attended Keele University.
The pattern: AJ’s identity is proudly British-Nigerian, and she often references her roots in interviews, giving her a relatable cross-cultural appeal.
Who is AJ Odudu in a relationship with?
AJ Odudu has kept her love life private, but she has been linked to several men over the years. She has stated publicly that she is “way too busy” to date (HELLO! Magazine).
Rumored partner Peter Gibson
AJ Odudu has been rumored to be in a relationship with businessman Peter Gibson, although neither has confirmed the link. The speculation remains unsubstantiated.
Strictly partner Kai Widdrington
After her time on Strictly Come Dancing, AJ was romantically linked to dance partner Kai Widdrington. Both denied the rumors, and Kai has since moved on. The pair remain friends (HELLO! Magazine).
Co-host Will Best
Fans have often speculated about a romance between AJ and her Big Brother co-host Will Best. AJ has repeatedly dismissed the idea, calling their relationship strictly professional.
Marriage plans
There is no confirmed engagement or marriage. A low-confidence report from June 2025 suggested an engagement, but it has not been verified by reliable sources (Wikipedia). AJ has said she was cheated on by three ex-boyfriends, including one who slept with her best friend (LancsLive).
AJ Odudu’s decision to keep her love life private protects her personal well-being but fuels public curiosity. For a TV presenter whose career relies on likability, the balance between openness and privacy is delicate. Each new rumor adds to her media profile, but also risks overshadowing her professional achievements.
What are AJ Odudu’s beauty secrets?
AJ Odudu is known for her bold style and beauty routines, which she shares on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her approach combines practicality with glamour.
Hair extensions and wigs
AJ Odudu wears wigs to protect her natural hair, a practice she has discussed in interviews (Yahoo Life UK). She has also used hair extensions in the past to achieve different looks.
Skincare routine
AJ credits her mother for teaching her a minimalist skincare philosophy. She has said her mother’s beauty routine was “very minimal and very natural” (The Independent). AJ follows a similar approach, focusing on hydration and sun protection.
Beauty product preferences
She often posts about her favorite products, including high-street brand collaborations. AJ has hosted a series with Marks & Spencer, showcasing accessible beauty and fashion items (Wikipedia).
Why this matters: AJ Odudu’s beauty content offers a relatable, affordable alternative to high-end influencer culture. For young Black women in the UK, she provides practical tips that respect natural hair and skin, all while maintaining a polished on-screen image.
How tall is AJ Odudu?
AJ Odudu is commonly reported as 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. Her height is often noted in celebrity profiles and is considered above average for a female TV presenter.
Reported height
Multiple sources list her height at 5 ft 9 in (175 cm). This is consistent with her appearance alongside other celebrities on screen.
Comparison to other celebrities
At 5’9″, AJ Odudu stands taller than many of her co-hosts, including Will Best (approximately 5’8″). Her height often draws comment in fashion and beauty features.
The implication: In an industry where appearance is often scrutinized, AJ’s height is a neutral but frequently referenced detail. It’s part of the public’s overall curiosity about her physical presence.
Timeline
The journey so far: key milestones in AJ Odudu’s career.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 12 February 1988 | Born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England |
| 2009 | First TV appearance on The 5:19 Show |
| 2021 | Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing |
| 2023 | Began co-hosting Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother on ITV2 |
| 2024 | Hosted a series with Marks & Spencer; voiced in Dodge’s Pup School |
Clarity: Confirmed vs. Unclear
Confirmed facts
- AJ Odudu is a British TV presenter of Nigerian descent. (John Noel Management)
- She co-hosts Big Brother on ITV2. (Wikipedia)
- She was a Strictly Come Dancing contestant in 2021. (HELLO! Magazine)
- She was born in Blackburn on 12 February 1988. (IMDb)
- She has seven siblings, making eight children in the family. (John Noel Management)
What’s unclear
- Current relationship status (she has said she is too busy to date).
- Whether she is engaged or planning to marry (rumored engagement unconfirmed).
- Exact nature of rumored relationships with Peter Gibson, Kai Widdrington, and Will Best.
- Specific details of her beauty routine beyond general statements.
Quotes
“I’m way too busy to talk about my love life.”
— AJ Odudu, in an interview with HELLO! Magazine
“I’ve been cheated on by three ex-boyfriends. One of them was sleeping with my best friend.”
— AJ Odudu, speaking to LancsLive
“She is one of the UK’s leading presenters.”
— John Noel Management
AJ Odudu’s candidness about her past relationships and her focus on career over romance have made her a relatable figure. For the UK audience, she represents a modern presenter who owns her narrative.
cosmopolitan.com, independent.co.uk, simple.wikipedia.org, sheerluxe.com, es.wikipedia.org
Frequently asked questions
What is AJ Odudu’s real name?
Her full name is Onatejiro Odudu (John Noel Management).
Where was AJ Odudu born?
She was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, on 12 February 1988 (IMDb).
What TV shows has AJ Odudu hosted?
She co-hosts Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother on ITV2, presented backstage for The Voice UK, and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing as a contestant (Wikipedia).
Does AJ Odudu have any siblings?
Yes, she has seven siblings, making eight children in the family (John Noel Management).
Is AJ Odudu active on social media?
Yes, she is active on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, where she shares beauty tips, fashion looks, and behind-the-scenes content.
When did AJ Odudu start hosting Big Brother?
She began co-hosting Big Brother on ITV2 in 2023 (Wikipedia).
Did AJ Odudu win Strictly Come Dancing?
No, she was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 2021 series (HELLO! Magazine).
For the UK audience, AJ Odudu’s story is a reminder that a public career doesn’t require a fully public private life. Her approach shows that the choice is clear: let the work speak, and keep the rest yours.
Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.