AJ Odudu has spoken about the almost impossible difficulties she faced on her journey in the British television industry.
The 35-year-old Big Brother host-turned-screen star struggled for years to get her big break before becoming a household name.
Speaking in the February issue of British Vogue about the obstacles she faced during her rise to stardom, AJ admitted that her family “just didn't have the means.”
On growing up and trying to break into the industry, AJ said: “Someone once asked me what it was like to break into the industry as a black woman. I was like, 'Oh my God, being black.' “It wasn’t even the hardest part.”
“We just didn't have the means.” The obstacle was geographical: how do I get from this corner of Blackburn to London and then stay there? And that was just step one.'
AJ Odudu has spoken about the almost impossible difficulties she faced on her journey in the British television industry
But now AJ has found her place in the presenting world after her successful stint as co-host of the Big Brother revival alongside Will Best. AJ admitted that it “feels good not to be defined by her barriers.”
She said, “I've overcome so much suffering, so many setbacks, so many barriers.” Now it's just great to know that I'm not defined by my class or my race.
“I set the boundaries myself, and that's exciting.” With makeup, fashion and everything, I just think, “Why not? Try it out.”
AJ, who first appeared on primetime television in 2013 alongside Emma Willis and Rylan Clark-Neal in Big Brother's Bit On The Side, revealed her mother Florence's support has been unwavering since she was a child.
She said, “She's an immigrant, a cleaner, and she told me, 'Yeah, you can be a presenter, why not?' I felt like if my mom says I can do it, then I can do it too.” It really shaped the way I think.”
Although her mother always had her back, she admitted that not everyone supported her ambitions to make it in show business.
When she was in sixth grade, AJ recalled telling a guidance counselor that she wanted to be a TV presenter, saying, “They said, 'Okay, that's not really possible.' And I thought, 'She sees.' half confused, half offended: “Yes, that’s it!”
In addition to the interview, AJ posed for a stunning photoshoot that will take place alongside the chat in the upcoming issue.
The 35-year-old Big Brother host-turned-screen star struggled for years to get her big break before becoming a household name
But now AJ has found her place in the presenting world after her successful stint as co-host of the Big Brother revival alongside Will Best. AJ admitted that it “feels good not to be defined by her barriers.”
AJ showed off her model figure in a pair of tiny black shorts, teamed with a black crewneck sweater and stylish leather gloves.
Her hair was slicked back into a chic bun and her naturally pretty features were enhanced with soft shades of makeup.
At second glance, she saw her model wearing a crisp white shirt with fluffy pants tied with a fun silver belt.
For the full feature, see the February issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday, January 16.