The BRIT Awards 2026 has its host for 2026, and suffice to say the event is going to be in very safe hands.
After five years hosting the show in London, 2026 will see award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and writer – and former University Of Manchester student – Jack Whitehall head up north to host the ceremony in Manchester on Saturday February 28 at the Co-op Live.
The news of his return was announced via his “Ode to Manchester”, shared exclusively across BRITs’ socials this morning. You can watch it below:
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Speaking about his return, Whitehall said: “I’m so excited to be coming back for this very special BRIT Awards in Manchester, a place that is so important to me. The city I started my comedy career in, it feels like a real full circle moment returning to host this historic night at the Co-op Live, a venue that is only a stone’s throw away from the comedy club I did my first 10 minute set in all those years ago. Hopefully I get a few more laughs than I did that night. I cannot wait.”
The city I started my comedy career in, it feels like a real full circle moment returning to host this historic night at the Co-op Live
Jack Whitehall
The BRIT Awards 2026 will be broadcast exclusively on ITV1 and ITVX. Public tickets for the show are now on sale at brits.co.uk
Last week, the shortlist was revealed for the prestigious BRITs Critics’ Choice award, with Jacob Alon, Rose Gray and Sienna Spiro gaining recognition.
Jack Whitehall's legacy hosting the awards speaks for itself
Stacey Tang
In case you missed it, this year the BRIT award has been designed by internationally acclaimed British designer Matthew Williamson. Inspired by his Manchester roots and the city’s famous drive and resilience, the trophy is amber toned resin – resembling the golden honey of a worker bee, the city’s mascot – atop a globe representing the worldwide reach of British music.
Speaking about Whitehall’s return, Stacey Tang, chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and co-president of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: "Jack is absolutely brilliant at his craft so we are thrilled to welcome him back and excited for the fun and mischief he’s bound to bring to the show again this year. His legacy hosting the awards speaks for itself and as the BRITs enters a new era, in a city familiar to him, there’s nobody better placed to take the helm of the biggest night in music.”
