Jack Whitehall Returns to Host the BRIT Awards in 2026.

Jack Whitehall is officially back at the helm of the BRIT Awards, returning for his sixth time as host, and this year’s show is set to be unlike any other. For the first time in its nearly 50-year history, the UK’s biggest night in music is moving out of London, with the 2026 ceremony headed to the brand-new Co-op Live arena in Manchester.

Whitehall, who previously hosted the BRITs in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and most recently 2025, shared the news in typically hilarious fashion.

In an “Ode to Manchester” video posted on social media, he stood before a green screen celebrating the city’s best-known traits, from the fires of the Industrial Revolution to its legendary rave scene, and even its newly-opened Soho House. The comedian also gave nods to Coronation Street, the Curry Mile, the city’s musical heritage, and even the invention of the barm cake.

The ceremony, taking place Saturday, February 28, 2026, marks a major shift in the awards’ history. Traditionally held at London’s O2 Arena, next year’s move reflects Manchester’s rise as a global music hub and the growing prestige of the state-of-the-art Co-op Live venue.

In a newly released statement, Whitehall shared his personal connection to the city, and why this particular hosting gig means more than most.

“I am so excited to be coming back for this very special BRIT Awards in Manchester, a place that is so important to me,” he said.
“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.”

Those early comedy roots go back to his university days in the city, when he performed some of his first stand-up routines on Manchester’s buzzing club circuit, a scene that would go on to shape his trajectory as a performer.

The BRITs have seen several hosts in recent years, with Mo Gilligan taking over in 2022 and 2023, while Clara Amfo, Maya Jama and Roman Kemp shared presenting duties in 2024. But Whitehall remains one of the most recognised faces of the ceremony, known for mixing sharp humour with slick presenting and fearlessly poking fun at the biggest stars in the room.

The ceremony will be held at the Co-op Live - Credit: BRITS Awards 2026

This year’s ceremony is expected to lean into Manchester’s cultural identity, with organisers hinting at major performances, special tributes, and guest appearances from the city’s iconic musical exports. With excitement already building, Whitehall’s return adds an extra layer of familiarity, and unpredictability, to a night set to celebrate both the past and future of British music.

Fans can expect dazzling live performances, big wins, bold fashion statements, and plenty of unscripted Whitehall humour. And with the BRITs stepping into a new city and a new era, there’s no doubt the 2026 show will be one for the history books.