With only two weeks to go until The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard, record-breaking host Jack Whitehall is gearing up for a historic night at Manchester’s Co-op Live. Returning for his sixth stint as presenter, Whitehall is leaning into the "unpredictable element" that has come to define his tenure.
Pushing the Boundaries
Reflecting on his relationship with the show’s producers and ITV, Whitehall admits he enjoys a rare level of creative freedom. “I think I've been able to put my stamp on The BRITs... they’re more than happy for me to push boundaries,” he told the official BRITs programme. Unlike other projects where he feels "policed," the comedian thrives on the friction his comedy can create. “I like it when, every now and again, someone gets a bee in their bonnet over something that I've said. It shows that I'm still pushing all the right buttons.”
A Manchester Homecoming
The move to Manchester is a full-circle moment for Whitehall, who attended university in the city. While he fondly remembers student nights involving togas and "watching Karl Kennedy from Neighbours do a DJ set," he believes the city's legendary nightlife will elevate the ceremony. If he were in charge of the afterparty, he’d take the A-list stars to his old haunts in Fallowfield: “We ended up having a lock-in there. If it was still open, that’s where I’d take everyone.”
High Stakes and Harry Styles
The host is particularly excited about the 2026 lineup, which includes a heavy-hitter he knows well. “Harry Styles is someone that I've had a long, long friendship with,” Whitehall shared. “He’s great because he’s always up for chatting, playing around and doing a sketch with me; he gives you access and time, and that's invaluable.”
Despite his confidence, the pre-show nerves remain. Whitehall revealed his survival tactic involves a bit of hide-and-seek: “I lock myself in a toilet... trying to make as little noise as possible, so that they don't find me!”
