THE Big Breakfast is making a comeback – and a Blackburn celebrity will be fronting it.

Channel 4 has announced that the show is returning after being off the air for 19 years.

They also announced that Blackburn’s AJ Odudu will be co-hosting the show.

However, it won’t be a permanent comeback as the popular show is only returning for a one-off episode.

The special is part of Channel 4’s Black to Front project when the channel will be fronted by black talent and featuring black contributors, to champion black voices and stories.

Presenter AJ will join Bafta-winning Mo Gilligan as co-host.

Newsreader Phil Gayle will return to read the news as the iconic show, which in its heyday was fronted by the likes of Chris Evans, Paula Yates, Johnny Vaughan and Denise Van Outen, comes live from its original East London location, the Lock Keepers’ Cottages.  A staple of the channel’s morning schedule from 1992 to 2002, The Big Breakfast defied the rules when it came to breakfast telly.

Bosses say the show will be retaining plenty of its original anarchic spirit, risqué sense of humour and distinctive energy.

AJ said: “I absolutely can’t wait to get stuck into The Big Breakfast. It is such an iconic show to be part of and I am buzzing it is finally coming back.

“I’m so looking forward to working with Mo and I can’t wait to wake up the nation.

“I’m thrilled to be part of Channel 4’s Black to Front – which quite rightly gives a platform to deserving Black British TV talent across our industry, both on and off-screen. It’s going to be really special.”

Also airing in September as part of Black to Front, Channel 4’s longest running show, Countdown, will see eminent journalist and broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald host the iconic quiz show.

Joining Sir Trevor will be poet and playwright Lemn Sissay who will adjudicate from Dictionary Corner and maths prodigy Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon who will bring her expertise to the numbers round.