AJ Odudus life off screen from rise to fame to Strictly romance rumours
AJ Odudu is one of the UK’s brightest presenting stars.
In her over a decade long career, she’s hosted alongside big names like Emma Willis and Rylan Clark and even appeared for a stint on Strictly Come Dancing – that is until she tore a ligament and had to withdraw from the competition.
But aside from her TV roles, what else do we know about the 35 year old’s life off screen?
From those Strictly rumours to where she was brought up, here’s the 411 on AJ Odudu…
Where was she born?
AJ Odudu, full name Onatejiro Odudu, was born on February 12, 1988 in Blackburn, Lancashire to Nigerian parents.
She was one of eight children and attended St Bede's RC High School and St Mary's College in Blackburn.
The presenter then went on to study English and Politics at Keele University, before starting her career as a BBC reporter at Radio Lancashire.
Is she in a relationship?
At the time of writing, it’s thought that AJ is currently single.
However, during her stint on Strictly, there were rumours flying around that she was dating her dance partner, Kai Widdrington.
While at the time the pair never denied or confirmed the romantic speculation, it’s now common knowledge that Kai is happily loved up with fellow Strictly pro, Nadiya Bychkova.
As for AJ’s previous relationships, she gave fans an insight during her time on Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
"I’ve been cheated on by three ex-boyfriends,” she revealed.
"One of them was sleeping with my best friends."
What other shows has she been on?
Back in 2009, AJ landed her first presenting role on BBC Two’s The Almost Perfect Guide to Life.
Four years later, she got her first big break as she joined Emma Willis and Rylan Clark on Big Brother’s spin-off show: Bit On The Side.
Plus, appearing on CBB’s Bit On The Psych, which focused on the psychological analysis of the housemates.
2015 to 2016 saw her present The Hot Desk, and in 2018 she appeared on Manhunting With My Mum.
AJ had a pretty busy year in 2020, landing a stint on a celeb special of The Chase, Richard Osman's House of Games, Bake Off: An Extra Slice, and Don’t Rock The Boat.
And before her Strictly Come Dancing debut, the 35 year old hosted ITV’s Apocalypse Wow and a revamp of Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast with Mo Gilligan.
Unfortunately for AJ, she nearly won the dancing show the same year, but due to her injury she had to pull out the day before the final.
Speaking about the experience at the time, she said: “I’m deeply upset that I am unable to perform in the final due to a torn ligament in my right ankle.”
"Learning to dance over the last 13 weeks has been an incredible honour and to do it alongside someone as special, patient and devoted as Kai [Widdrington] is something I’ll treasure forever."
Luckily for AJ, she wasn’t down for long, as 2022 brought some exciting new TV jobs.
From presenting The Bridge alongside adventurer Aldo Kane to E4’s The Big Blow Out, the TV personality has most recently reunited with Rylan Clark to host the Eurovision Handover and Allocation Draw.
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