Big Brother host Will Best fears 'anxiety-inducing conflict' ahead of new series

Presenter Will Best has opened up on having to watch some of Big Brother "through his hands" as he finds some parts of the show to be "axiety-inducing". The 40-year-old presenter fronts the ITV reality show alongside AJ Odudu as the pair shared some of the biggest challenges that they face while hosting.

Speaking at a roundtable event ahead of the upcoming new series, Will told us: "I do find conflict anxiety-inducing, and I tend to watch that from behind my hands." When asked how they deal with having to ask the awkward questions in exit interviews, AJ joked: "He's [Will is] having a meltdown next to me, he's trembling and I'm just there to hold his hand!" Will then added: "Well, in that instance and in that scenario, we are asking the questions that we know the viewer wants to answer to. So then we are sort of, you know, doing what has to be done."

AJ said that they never aim to "go into battle" during an exit interview but they do often aim to "hold people accountable for some of their actions in the Big Brother house". She added: "It's then their opportunity to really elaborate on certain instances that have occurred in the house."

However, AJ admitted that she loves a "dynamic conversation" between the housemates. She said: "Dynamic conversations are interesting because at the end of any argument or discussion, there's a resolution hopefully.

"And so, it doesn't matter what it takes to get to that resolution, there's always a friction before you come together in a positive way. I think that is what makes life in general beautiful."

Although it will only be the third civilian series of Big Brother to be broadcast on its current home, ITV, it's been 25 years since the show first aired. This could suggest some extra special surprises are in store for viewers.

ITV revealed the start date of this year's series with a trailer. The good news for fans is that it all kicks off earlier than usual as it launches this weekend, on Sunday, September 28 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

In a statement, ITV said: "Big Brother: Live Launch will once again welcome an eclectic mix of strangers from across the UK who will all become Housemates living under one roof.

"The nation's most renowned residence, the Big Brother House, will yet again play host to all the mischief and mayhem and has undergone a makeover that's easy on the eye."