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Simon Duke

AJ Odudu's BBC Eurovision host 'snub' angers fans as another huge TV role predicted for her

Upset Eurovision fans have accused the BBC of 'snubbing' AJ Odudu, after the popular presenter was noticeably absent from the broadcaster's presenting line-up for this year's event.

Given that the ex Strictly star hosted the Eurovision semi final draw for the BBC just a few weeks ago, alongside Rylan Clark, many viewers were expecting to see AJ to play some sort of role in the Liverpool event; however, when the list of presenters was confirmed in full on Wednesday morning, she was nowhere to be seen.

The announcement on who will host Eurovision 2023 was announced in tandem online and on Zoe Ball's Radio 2 show, with the hosts for the grand final confirmed as popular Eurovision commentator Graham Norton, Ukrainian singer and composer Julia Sanina, Emmy Award-winning actress, Hannah Waddingham, and singer-songwriter, pop star and TV presenter, Alesha Dixon.

While Rylan isn't on the hosting team, he will commentate on both Eurovision semi finals, alongside Scott Mills,. as the heats make the switch to BBC One for the first time in their history.

READ MORE: Eurovision Song Contest 2023 hosts confirmed including Graham Norton and Alesha Dixon

But, as things stand, AJ will take no part in the BBC's Eurovision schedule, a move that was widely condemned on Twitter ion the aftermath of Wednesday's announcement.

Reacting badly to her not being included, one unimpressed Eurovision fan tweeted: "Justice for AJ Odudu," with a second reacting: "I'm shocked that AJ Odudu wasn't announced as a host, she did so well in the Allocation Draw"

Others argued that AJ should have got the nod ahead of Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha; while others suggested that the reason that she diudn't get the gig is that she will be the new host of Big Brother on ITV.

As soon as ITV confirmed they were picking the popular reality show up for a reboot, AJ emerged as frontrunner to be presenter, getting the firm backing of original host Davina McCall. And, whether intentional or not, AJ eluded to Big Brother during the Eurovision semi draw, when she quipped: "Fancy another one?" - a line famously uttered by Davina on the show.

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