Jack Whitehall is preparing to host the BRIT Awards for the sixth time.

The comedian and Jungle Cruise star will lead the 2026 ceremony at the Co op Live arena in Manchester, England on Saturday 28 February, marking the first occasion in nearly fifty years that the BRITs will take place outside London.

Whitehall previously hosted the annual music event earlier this year, as well as four consecutive ceremonies from 2018 to 2021.

In a statement, the thirty seven year old shared that returning to Manchester feels like a “full circle moment” since he briefly attended university there and began performing comedy in the city.

“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 where I began my comedy career, it feels like a genuine full circle moment to return to host this historic night at the Co op Live, a venue only a short distance from the club where I did my first ten minute set all those years ago. Hopefully I get a few more laughs than I did that night. I cannot wait.”

To mark the announcement, Whitehall also filmed a humorous social media clip in which he pretended to walk around various parts of Manchester while praising the city’s highlights. In reality, he was simply walking in place in front of a green screen.

The Malice actor had been absent from hosting duties for three years. Mo Gilligan took over in 2022 and 2023, while Roman Kemp, Clara Amfo, and Maya Jama shared hosting responsibilities in 2024.

“Jack is absolutely brilliant at his craft so we are thrilled to welcome him back and excited for the fun and mischief he is sure to bring to the show again this year,” said Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK.

“His history hosting the awards speaks for itself, and as the BRITs move into a new era in a city that is meaningful to him, there is no one better suited to take the lead on the biggest night in music.”