The Big Brother Hosts Who Defined the Show’s Legacy

As excitement builds for the new season of Big Brother, proudly sponsored by BoyleSports Games, we're taking a look at the iconic hosts that have presented us with some of the most memorable moments in reality TV history.

From the original queen of reality TV, Davina McCall, to the dynamic new duo, AJ Odudu and Will Best, here’s a trip down memory lane of Big Brother hosts.

Big Brother Hosts Down Through The Years

Davina McCall – Big Brother Host (2000-2010)

When talking about Big Brother hosts where else would you start than with the legendary Davina McCall. As the original face of the show, she brought energy, drama, and heart to the screens from the show’s launch in July 2000 until 2010. McCall was also the first host of Celebrity Big Brother, fronting the spin-off from 2001 to 2010.

Who could forget her iconic line, "Big Brother house, this is Davina. You are live on Channel 4; please do not swear"? And her catchphrase, “Fancy another one?” during double evictions quickly became part of Big Brother lore.

After Channel 4’s run of Big Brother ended in 2010, McCall declined to return when Channel 5 took over the rights. Her decision marked the end of an era, but she continued her successful career on shows like The Million Pound Drop.

Despite her numerous TV presenting roles, Davina will always be remembered as "Big Mutha" — the heart and soul of Big Brother during its early days.

Brian Dowling – Big Brother Host (2011-2012)

Ireland’s Brian Dowling took over the reins of Big Brother when it made the leap from Channel 4 to Channel 5 in 2011. A former housemate himself, Dowling won Big Brother season 2 in 2001 and later triumphed in Ultimate Big Brother in 2010, which brought back memorable contestants from both the standard and celebrity editions of the show.

Dowling faced the unenviable task of following in Davina McCall’s footsteps but brought his own charm to the show. He also hosted Celebrity Big Brother during his tenure.

The two-time show winner was abruptly let go from his Big Brother hosting duties after a new Controller at Channel 5 wanted to shake things up by bringing in a new show host. He candidly admitted his disappointment upon learning of the news of his dismissal.

His surprise axing does not change the fact that Dowling remains a legend and an integral part of the show’s history.

Nowadays, you can find the county Kildare native on shows like The Six O’Clock Show on Virgin Media and ITV’s The Real Housewives of Cheshire.

Emma Willis – Big Brother Host (2013-2018)

Emma Willis’ Big Brother journey began in 2010 when she hosted spin-off shows like Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Big Brother’s Little Brother.

Her love for the show and presenting talent shone through, and by 2013, Channel 5 bosses recognised her popularity among Big Brother fans and offered her the chance to replace Brian Dowling as host of the main show.

Willis was adored by fans for the energy she brought to the show and her ability to get the live crowds excited. She guided the show through its later years until it was axed in 2018.

She showed her commitment to the hit reality show by hosting two series while pregnant and even gave birth to her second child just two weeks after the show’s finale in 2011.

Here’s Emma in action in one of the most memorable moments in the franchise’s history as she interviews Roxanne Pallett after she left the Celebrity Big Brother House. Pallett had accused fellow housemate and subsequent show winner Ryan Thomas of punching her in the ribs.

Emma Willis’ connection with the Big Brother audience and her love for the show cement her place as one of the reality series’ most beloved figures.

AJ Odudu & Will Best – Big Brother Hosts (2023-Present)

After a five-year hiatus, Big Brother returned to our screens in 2023, this time under ITV. With that came AJ Odudu and Will Best stepping into the spotlight as the new hosts.

AJ Odudu is no newcomer to the Big Brother universe having hosted Big Brother’s Bit On The Side back in 2013. She has also graced our screens on The Voice UK, Eurovision, and danced her way into the Strictly Come Dancing final in 2021, before sadly having to withdraw due to injury.

Will Best, too, has a history with Big Brother, having appeared as a panellist on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side in 2013 and 2014. He’s also known for having co-hosted Dance, Dance, Dance with Alesha Dixon and made an appearance on Celebrity Coach Trip in 2022.

As the dynamic duo usher Big Brother into its new era, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the show’s return are palpable. With their combined charisma and experience, AJ and Will remind us why we all loved the show in the first place.

So there you have it. The iconic hosts who have made Big Brother what it is today.

From Davina’s iconic lines, and Brian Dowling’s unique perspective as a former housemate, to Emma Willis’ beloved enthusiasm and the fresh energy of AJ Odudu and Will Best, Big Brother fans have been treated to some incredible hosts over the years.

As the show continues to evolve, one thing remains the same – the hosts will always be central to the Big Brother legacy.

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