Big Brother plunged into chaos as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best are both struck down with illness just days away from live launch of new series

Big Brother plunged into chaos as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best are both struck down with illness just days away from live launch of new series

As a longtime fan of Big Brother who has eagerly watched every season since its inception, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and excitement as I read about the upcoming 2024 series. Having followed AJ Owens and Will Best from their early days hosting the show, it feels like coming home to see them back at the helm for another run.


The upcoming season of Big Brother may start off with some unexpected turmoil, as both hosts have fallen ill just before the premiere scheduled for this coming Sunday evening.

Last year, AJ Odudu and Will Best stepped into the lead roles for the comeback of the popular reality series on ITV2, and they’re now gearing up to introduce a fresh batch of housemates for the show’s third iteration.

On Capital Breakfast on Thursday, Will, aged 39, disclosed that he and AJ, also 36, are coping with separate health issues which might pose problems for the planned live performance.

He explained that he has been hit by a ‘stiff neck’ that means he is struggling to move his head and was forced to visit an emergency physiotherapist.

Addressing hosts Jordan North, Chris Stark, and Sian Welby, Will shared that he’s currently experiencing a tight neck. He mentioned it has improved slightly compared to yesterday, but it was quite painful then. Later today, he has an urgent physical therapy appointment scheduled.

Big Brother plunged into chaos as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best are both struck down with illness just days away from live launch of new series

Big Brother plunged into chaos as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best are both struck down with illness just days away from live launch of new series
Big Brother plunged into chaos as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best are both struck down with illness just days away from live launch of new series

In a playful manner, he joked about the unfortunate coincidence: “It’s just perfect timing, isn’t it? Right before our biggest annual show, where we’ll be live for six weeks and plenty of chaos is expected, to find myself immobilized.

‘So I’m sorry Chris I can’t really look at you [laughs], you’re on the wrong side!’

Later, Sian playfully remarked, “‘That’s why they gave you a swivel chair, to let you wiggle your entire frame.’ This comment prompted Will to retort with humor, “‘I could easily host the live program from one of these!’

However, he added that he couldn’t even lean on his co-host for support as AJ has ‘lost her voice’.

“AJ couldn’t speak during our podcast recording yesterday, which is why she’s not hosting the radio show today.

He openly acknowledged feeling anxious regarding the live broadcast, yet emphasized that this apprehension stemmed from his deep affection for the program and his eagerness to ensure everything ran flawlessly.

He shared that he gets anxious since he cares deeply about the show and wants to ensure they deliver it with the right impact, considering the format and the behavior of the housemates.

However, as we approach Sunday, right before we begin our broadcast, my nerves seem to vanish. I’m genuinely excited to interact with these individuals.

Big Brother plunged into chaos as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best are both struck down with illness just days away from live launch of new series
Big Brother plunged into chaos as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best are both struck down with illness just days away from live launch of new series

It comes after it was revealed this week that ITV have re-introduced the live element for the reality show, after it was missing in the first series of the reboot. 

Last year when the show made its grand debut, I, along with several other devoted followers, were disheartened to find out that it wasn’t being broadcasted live.

To create an illusion of live broadcasting, the show was actually pre-recorded, yet it sought to replicate the successful format from the early 2000s. However, ITV learned from past mistakes and won’t repeat them this time around.

In the latest series, AJ and Will jokingly pointed out that their bosses have upped the ante by assigning exceptional new tasks.

As I eagerly anticipate our upcoming live debut with TopMob, I’d like to share some exciting news with you, dear followers. After wrapping up a string of high-profile projects last year, I’m thrilled to tell you that the new series promises even more captivating experiences for you!

In the initial civilian series, some highly popular tasks were the Big Heads (similar to Big Wigs), the Ant Hill (similar to Ant Kingdom), and Big Brother’s Survival Game (similar to Hunger Games).

As an over-the-moon enthusiast, I can’t help but express my exhilaration regarding the assignments this year! Now, let me clarify, while I believe these tasks are fantastic, there might have been areas where improvement was possible, not necessarily implying a lack of learning.

‘The previous series tasks were outstanding, but after talking with the team, it seems they have set an even higher standard for themselves. This time around, it appears they’ve raised the bar even more.’

Big Brother plunged into chaos as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best are both struck down with illness just days away from live launch of new series
Big Brother plunged into chaos as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best are both struck down with illness just days away from live launch of new series
Big Brother plunged into chaos as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best are both struck down with illness just days away from live launch of new series

AJ mentioned that following the triumph of presenting both a civilian and celebrity series alongside Will, they are experiencing ‘reduced anxiety’ as they approach the 2024 campaign.

She added: ‘This series, I’m going to be less nerves, more excitement. What I’ve learned from the previous series, is that you just never know what’s gonna happen.

‘Everyone you assume will easily win turns out to be quite different, making it impossible to predict with certainty. That’s what makes the upcoming series as thrilling as ever!’

Added by Will: ‘Entering the first series was filled with a lot of tension since we aimed to uphold the format’s integrity, and ensure it lived up to our own high expectations as fans, regardless of us being involved in its production.’

After examining the audience’s reaction to the overall presentation, the tone used, the set design, the new house featured, as well as the atmosphere that gave off an ITV feel, now that we know this approach resonated with them. The positive feedback has been overwhelming, with many people expressing their love for it and sharing how much of an impact it had on them.

As a devoted follower, I find myself yearning for an experience that leans more towards pure enjoyment in the upcoming installment, if you catch my drift. To be clear, I genuinely savored the previous edition.

‘Previously, there were certain questions about talent and success. Now, it seems everyone excels and entertains their audience. Let’s make the most of this enjoyable journey!’

During the debut of Big Brother: Live, a fresh group of contestants will enter the country’s most recognized house, recently revamped with a new coat of paint, marking the start of a brand-new season.

As your trusted lifestyle guide, I’m here to let you know that sharing a roof with others can be an intricate dance involving complex tasks, unexpected twists like weekly evictions, nail-biting moments during nomination phases, and a generous sprinkle of life’s unpredictable theatrics.

Once more, it’s up to the audience to determine the outcome for each competitor during the show, and ultimately, just one will remain victorious, taking home the monetary award.

In addition, the highly anticipated spin-off titled Big Brother: Late & Live promises exciting, unique content featuring lively conversations and debates among a distinguished group of celebrity panelists, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes action that viewers won’t want to miss.

In the Late & Live series, you’ll still be the unique venue for catching the very first live interviews of the evicted contestants, conducted by hosts AJ and Will.

The remake of the epic series will be broadcast every night on ITVX, enabling viewers to catch live action straight from the house.

Big Brother returns on Sunday, October 6 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. 

Read More

2024-10-03 20:21

Previous post A New ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ RPG is in Development at Saber Interactive
Next post Agatha All Along episode 4 recap: “If I Can’t Reach You/Let My Song Teach You”