The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard Host Announced
Award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and writer Jack Whitehall heads back to Manchester to host The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard on Saturday 28 February 2026 at Co-op Live and broadcast exclusively on ITV1 and ITVX.
After five years hosting the show in London, 2026 will see Jack lead the charge for the BRITs in Manchester, as the show moves north for the first time in its nearly 50 year history.
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.
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.”
News surrounding the 2026 BRITs has come thick and fast in recent weeks, building excitement ahead of the show on 28th February. It was also announced today that public tickets for the show are on sale from 10am, offering those lucky enough to secure a ticket the chance to experience an epic night celebrating the past year in music.
Public tickets for The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard are on sale from 10am on Tuesday 9 December.
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. The Critics’ Choice shortlist continues to act as a barometer for the next generation of British talent.
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.
Mastercard will continue their long-standing headline sponsorship of The BRITs as it moves into its 29th year. ITV remains the official broadcaster for the 34th year, with the awards airing on ITV, STV, ITVX and STV Player.