The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard has announced today (December 9) that award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and writer Jack Whitehall will host the ceremony. The music awards will take place in Manchester for the very first time in its nearly 50-year history on Saturday 28th February at Co-op Live and will be broadcast exclusively on ITV1 and ITVX.
The news of Jack’s return was announced via his Ode to Manchester, shared exclusively across BRITs’ socials this morning. In true Jack fashion, he covers everything from the cobbles of Coronation Street to the Curry Mile, the Industrial Revolution to the invention of barm cake.
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“It feels like a real full circle moment”: Jack Whitehall to host first BRIT Awards in Manchester
The 2026 ceremony will be Jack Whitehall’s sixth time presenting the show, having previously hosted in 2025, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018. However, next year’s ceremony is particularly special as the comedian has connections to the BRITs’ new home, having studied at the University of Manchester before moving into comedy. By his own account, he credits the city as one of the most influential places that helped shape his early comedy career.
Jack Whitehall 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 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 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester
Last week, the shortlist was revealed for the prestigious BRITs Critics’ Choice award, with Jacob Alon, Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO the chosen three. They follow in the footsteps of an impressive alumni of former winners and nominees who have gone on to achieve remarkable success after being shortlisted, including Dua Lipa, Adele, Florence + The Machine, James Blake, Michael Kiwanuka, Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, Griff, FLO, The Last Dinner Party, Myles Smith and more.
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.
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday 28th February from Manchester’s Co-op Live and will also be broadcast on ITV and ITVX. Public tickets for The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard are on sale here from 10am today.
