Big Brother hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best reveal HUGE change to eviction nights as iconic series returns
BIG Brother hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best have revealed that there will be a big change to eviction nights when the iconic series returns.
The new faces of the ITV2 show, which is returning to screens after a five year break, have revealed that they will take a KINDER approach to grilling exiting housemates.
While the show was once famed for booing audiences and tough eviction interviews, both presenters told The Sun they are more mindful of contestant's mental health in today's 'be kind' era.
AJ says: "I do feel a responsibility towards the housemates' mental health, for sure. They may come out to a baying audience on eviction night, but I think it's up to me and WIll to put our arm round them and give them an opportunity to share their side of the story.
"We're still going to ask the important questions that viewers want to know, and I still want the housemates to spill the tea,but we're not going to be mean in any way, I am very mindful of that."
Will agrees, adding: "It's been a long time since the show was on. The world has changed and move forward. I don't think we'll be telling the audience not to boo, but are people going to want to boo in 2023? It feels like the world has changed a bit."
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With the launch night for the new series less than one week away on Sunday October 8th, both hosts admit to feeling the weight of expectation on their shoulders.
AJ admits: "The pressure is on, it's a big show and it's everybody's baby - like we all grew up watching it. It's had previous presenters that both Will and I love, adore and respect. They are the nation's sweethearts and we want to do everyone proud. We're not trying to mimic or imitate them in any way.
"So yeah, the pressure is on and that can be very daunting, but it's helped by the fact that I'm presenting with Will. He's a really good mate of mine and we've got each other's backs."
Will, for his part, says the excitement overrides any nerves. "I'm a huge fan of the show so I'm just so excited it's coming back. Also, to be doing it with AJ, who is such a good mate and who I find absolutely hilarious, that makes it feel less like work or scary, and just more like having fun."
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Both insist they haven't seen the house or the housemates yet and are being kept in the dark until just before transmission.
"We have only seen what you guys have seen in terms of the drone shots of the house, "Will explains. "But what other show on TV has fans that are so committed, they'd fly a drone to get pictures of the house?"
AJ chips in: "We have no idea who is going in either but the housemates will reflect the UK in 2023."
Will nods: "The show will always be a mirror to today's society and that will be shown in who is going into the house."
While both AJ and WIll are clearly thick as thieves and are going to be there for each other throughout this new chapter, have they developed any pet peeves for each other?
Will shakes his head but AJ bursts into laughter.
"Will's got a penchant for picking his nose," she laughs. "It absolutely goes through me."
Big Brother begins on Sunday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. The launch night will also be aired on ITV1.
