A. J. Odudu Quotes

When I was a little girl and said I wanted to be inside the TV, my mum really did believe that I could.

2020 is not the year for my love life, sadly.

Dressing up for the gym is just as important as dressing up for a night out! It makes you feel motivated; if you feel you look good, then you feel good.

I’d like to inspire Black girls to think: ‘If she can do it, I can.’

I do not mix business with pleasure.

I have experienced first-hand what a confidence boost can do, for my morale, spirit and belief in myself. So to be able to pass it on to one person is brilliant, but to help thousands of people is incredible.

My mum used to take me and my younger sister to work with her. She said: ‘You don’t want to be a cleaner like me.’ We worked as cleaners before we went to uni to save up money so we always had a strong work ethic.

I just think we need to keep having open, honest, and encouraging conversations to ensure people are represented across all industries including our TV screens when it comes to diversity.

My bedroom is the place where I wake up to a fresh start each and every day, so it was important that it felt calming.

Judge people by their behaviour, not their platitudes.

I’m really playful with eyeshadows and love to experiment with colour.

Excessive eating and lack of exercise are to blame for weight gain, not carbohydrates.

Variety works for me and the reason I’ve been able to maintain a certain level of fitness is because when I get bored I just admit I’m bored, then I switch it up.

If you’re lucky enough to have a Black friend who has tolerated your racist parents while you turned a blind eye to the mistreatment they’ve suffered, maybe start by saying sorry, and then actually change the record. It is that change that could literally save lives, or at the very least, save friendships.

I have taken pride in my pain, knowing full well that I am stronger than those who have none and despite the many injustices that still exist in our world, the racial disparities that continue and the bigotry that pervades I still remain hopeful about the future.

Running a marathon is appealing to runners for many reasons. It’s epic! A real test for your mind and body and a challenge that truly fills you with complete elation when you cross the finish line. But it is in no way a trivial undertaking.

If you are filled with resentment, try letting that feeling come and then let that feeling go.

If you want to squat below your knees, go for it. It’s going to work the hamstrings, glutes and lower back more, and tighten up that booty.

As well as running I enjoy skipping – it’s fun but at the same time really works your body. Moreover, it’s great for your co-ordination and anyone can do it! I tend to skip for around 10 minutes at a time and would do one minute on and then 15 seconds off.

Come rain or shine you look out onto your garden every single day, so it’s important and uplifting to have it done properly.

I looked different, I had different skin, my hair was different, so I would get called names in school. It would always be reflective of what my hair and skin looked like.

There’s always a way where we knock ourselves back down. It’s the culture that we’ve been born into.

I have anxiety and self-doubt all the time, it’s a battle.

Like anything in life, nothing is guaranteed but I’m certainly hopeful of the positive change that could come from the Black To Front Project.

I am the sort of person who, if there is karaoke somewhere in the area, I am that person who is like, ‘Let’s go to the karaoke club,’ it’s not necessarily something I plan to do.

If yoga was the only thing I’d ever done, maybe I’d think exercise is boring, but there’s more to exercise than downward dogs, or running, or squats.

For my skin, I take the same clean approach to my skin that I do for my diet.

Being different means being unique and that’s what makes the world and exciting place to be in.

I don’t want to have to kneel down to my husband, I don’t want to be submissive.

Gardens aren’t just for summer.

On days when I must wear a full face of makeup I’m always careful to take it all off at night!

Being born and raised in Blackburn, it was difficult for me to even visualise how I get to London to embark on a career in broadcasting and TV.

When it comes to skincare, I keep it really simple in the morning. I wash, moisturise and go.

Let’s face it: life, and the way skin reacts to it, can be unpredictable.

I nearly drowned in a park pond when I was six years old and I’ve been terrified of water ever since.

My motto is never let anyone dull your shine.

I realised I owned eight pink suits, which I did not need.

When I spoke to pupils at Sydenham School in London, I was shocked and saddened to hear some of the teenage girls say they felt pursuing a career in television was not even worth the effort as a Black woman.

I love bright shades because they’re just so uplifting. They boost your energy and mood.

We’re all human and we all need a rest now and again!

I’m very much a get up and go kind of girl. So just the one alarm for me, never hit snooze!

I like to use the stage and there’s nothing subtle about me.

People who are exercising to lose weight often try cutting out carbs, but that’s when you need them the most. Don’t you dare put down the sweet potato!

With the support of my family, my constant pillar of strength and protection, I have risen above hate with love and excellence, and a very strong sense of self.

A good night‘s sleep makes a massive difference to my day.

One of the great things about running is that you don’t need fancy clothing or expensive equipment to get started. All you need is a good pair of trainers that are right for you, usually with good grip on the sole and one’s that are comfortable for you to wear.

I’m so excited about ‘Cooking With The Stars,’ what an amazing opportunity to actually learn how to cook properly. When I got asked to do it I just thought, ‘I can cook, I can do this,’ and then I got put with a professional chef and realised quickly that actually I’m not a cook.

When you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, I think you get the most out of your workout.

My skincare regime in the evening really helps me relax, unwind and get ready for a decent night’s kip.