AJ Odudu is best known for The Voice and The Voice Kids, having been announced in 2019 as their backstage reporter, as well as appearing on the 2021 series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. She has also appeared on ITV’s Lorraine (2019-2021), BBC’s The One Show (2019-), Celebrity Come Dine With Me (2020) and Celebrity First Dates Hotel (2019).
She is also a qualified personal trainer and is passionate about fitness. She has participated in the London Marathon as well as appearing on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2019, where she was put through military-style challenges to test her physical and mental strength.
A popular diversity speaker, AJ has a charming and warm personality and can appeal to all audiences, promoting the benefit of having minority groups working across all industries.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book TV Presenter and Fitness Enthusiast AJ Odudu for your next event.
AJ Odudu began her career as a reporter for BBC Radio Lancashire before moving her way to television, presenting BBC Two’s The Almost Perfect Guide to Life (2009) and The 5:19 Show (2009).
In 2013, she began presenting Big Brother’s Bit on the Side with Rylan Clark, as well as the celebrity version of the spin-off. She has hosted Married at First Sight UK: Afters (2021), Don’t Rock the Boat (2020), The Big Breakfast (2020), The Hot Desk (2015-2016), The Great Comic Relief Prizeathon (2022) alongside Vernon Kay and Emma and AJ Get to Work (2021) with Emma Willis, was the UK spokesperson for the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest and was one of a number of presenters for the BBC coverage of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant. In 2019 was a reporter for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, a gruelling 170km ultramarathon, as well as for the Red Bull Soapbox Race in Brazil and Lithuania.
She is a familiar face on reality, quiz and panel shows, including 100 Greatest Toys (2010), Comedy Lab (2011), The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice (2020), The Chase: Celebrity Special (2020), Cooking With the Stars (2021) and Celebrity Karaoke Club (2021).
Her first major documentary, Manhunting With My Mum, aired in 2018 on Channel 4 and to critical acclaim – the show’s success led to rave reviews and trended worldwide on Twitter. The documentary saw AJ delve into a serious subject but with her usual charm and wit. Her endearing relationship with her mother is heart-warming and allowed her to address the issues of marriage and cultural identity.
AJ has appeared on award-winning podcast Boys Don’t Cry with Russell Kane as well as the Power Hour podcast, where she discussed her tips for achieving greatness. Her love of music has seen her hosting That Saturday Show on Virgin Radio, report live from the Isle of Wight Festival alongside Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, hosting red carpet coverage from the MOBO Awards, and fronted coverage of BBC Switch Live.
Born in England to Nigerian parents, AJ Odudu and her seven siblings grew up experiencing racial abuse and exclusion. AJ has previously admitted that she’s had to work “twice as hard” as her white peers in her education and career.
“TV had always been a passion of mine, but where I was from and with my background it wasn’t really seen as a viable option. But after graduating university, my parents encouraged me to believe in myself and to follow my dream, even when everyone around me was saying no.”
L’Oréal Paris champions inclusivity and diversity, and here AJ Odudu appears in a video to promote their campaign:
FITNESS
A qualified personal trainer and sports nutritionist, AJ has a huge passion for health and fitness, which has led her to not only present fitness features on TV, but run the London Marathon. She has also fronted campaigns for Adidas, Women’s Health, Speedo and Smart Water. She is an ambassador for L’Oréal, working alongside The Prince’s Trust on a number of campaigns. She is also the fitness ambassador for Superdrug and has spoken at Marie Claire magazine’s Fit Festival.
AJ is a well-established live event host, speaker and DJ, having spun for Ibiza Rocks, Century Members Club and warmed up for world-famous DJ Oliver Heldens. She has played for Adidas, New Look, EE Rising Star Party, Women’s Health Fashion night out and for Desperados at Boomtown Festival.
– Race and Racism
– Diversity and Inclusion
– Fitness and Health
– TV Presenting
AJ is a multi-talented individual, with incredible personality and energy. She is a fantastic after-dinner speaker or event host and is an excellent choice for corporate events.