In a remarkable turn of events, former Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Odudu has proven that the dance floor isn’t just a place for fancy footwork but also for making staggering amounts of money. The 35-year-old TV presenter, originally known for her appearances on spin-off programs such as Big Brother, Married at First Sight, and The Voice, has reportedly earned a whopping £1.2 million in the two years following her stint on the popular dancing series.
AJ Odudu’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing began in 2021 when she was paired up with professional dancer Kai Widdrington. Their electrifying chemistry and impressive dance moves quickly captured the audience’s hearts, propelling them to the top of the leaderboard in their very first week with a score of 34. Despite a heartbreaking setback – an ankle injury that forced her withdrawal just a day before the final dance – AJ managed to leverage her newfound popularity to secure a series of high-profile projects.
Since her time on Strictly, AJ Odudu has become a household name in the UK entertainment industry. She has graced the screens as a presenter for Eurovision, appeared as a guest on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, showcased her baking skills on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off, and even co-hosted the Big Brother reboot alongside Will Best. These ventures, along with numerous other appearances across major broadcasters, have contributed to her astounding earnings.
The financial success story was revealed in the newly-filed accounts for AJ’s company, Piggy and Tuffs, covering the period from February 2022 to January this year. The accounts disclosed that AJ had a substantial £1.8 million in the bank, a significant portion of which came from her post-Strictly endeavors. This figure doesn’t even include her estimated £500,000 payday for hosting Big Brother.
AJ Odudu’s rise to fame and fortune following her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing highlights the transformative impact the show can have on a star’s career. Previously a lesser-known presenter, AJ’s talent and determination, coupled with her dance floor charisma, propelled her into the limelight, leading to a slew of opportunities and financial success.
The presenter, hailing from Blackburn, also shared her struggles with societal judgments regarding her northern accent. Despite pressures to change her voice, AJ’s mother, Florence Odudu, encouraged her to embrace her roots and be proud of her heritage.
AJ Odudu’s journey from a regional presenter to one of Britain’s highest-earning presenters serves as a testament to the power of talent, determination, and self-acceptance in the competitive world of entertainment. Her story continues to inspire aspiring stars, proving that with the right opportunity and unwavering self-confidence, success knows no bounds.
