Jack Whitehall has been confirmed as host of the 2026 BRIT Awards, taking place on 28 February at Co-op Live.
It marks the first time in the awards show’s 50 year history that it has taken place in Manchester.
The announcement arrived alongside an ‘Ode to Manchester’ from the actor and comedian, where he nods to the city’s cultural staples from Coronation Street’s cobbles to the Curry Mile and its industrial heritage.
Whitehall, who studied at the University of Manchester before his comedy career took off, said: “I am 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… I cannot wait.”
This will be his sixth stint presenting the awards, following appearances in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2025.
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.”
Last week, the shortlist for the BRITs Critics’ Choice award was revealed, naming Jacob Alon, Rose Gray and Sienna Spiro as the three emerging artists in contention. The accolade has a strong track record for identifying future stars, with previous nominees and winners including Dua Lipa, Adele, Florence + The Machine, James Blake, Michael Kiwanuka, Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, Griff, FLO, The Last Dinner Party and Myles Smith.
Public tickets are on sale now, giving fans the chance to attend one of the biggest nights in British music.
In another nod to local talent, this year’s trophy has been designed by Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson, incorporating amber-toned resin inspired by the worker bee, set atop a globe to represent the far-reaching impact of British artists.
The decision to host the event at Co-op Live reflects a notable shift in scale for the annual awards show, which has never been held outside London.
With the Critics’ Choice shortlist already announced and further artist details expected in the coming weeks, anticipation is building for a ceremony that aims to blend Manchester’s musical legacy with the energy of a new era for the awards.
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