Jack Whitehall’s return as Brit Awards host has drawn criticism after a string of jokes about Manchester, with viewers accusing him of “punching down” on the city. The event, held at the Co-op Live Arena for the first time after moving from London, featured numerous digs at the North West, prompting calls for a new presenter next year.
Whitehall mocked the city’s fashion, saying Manchester’s idea of black tie was “more Stone Island” and suggesting an audience member’s suit was made of low-quality material. He also quipped that it had been “a great year for Manchester’s drug dealers,” a remark that drew laughter from rock star Noel Gallagher but not all attendees.
Social media users voiced their displeasure on X, with one writing: “Jack Whitehall being hired to host the Brits because of his connection to Manchester, and then proceeding to sh** on Manchester all night. Right.” Another called his “posh boy schtick tediously dull,” while a third pleaded: “Please make this the last year Jack Whitehall hosts the #BRITs.”
Beyond Manchester gags, Whitehall took aim at the BAFTAs, referencing the moment John Davidson accidentally uttered a racist slur during the ceremony, and joked that he “had the best in the business on the bleeper.” He also teased Mayor Andy Burnham, saying it was the “only party he is allowed into.”
Defending his material, Whitehall said ahead of the show that Americans were the main ones who got offended. Last year, his parents arrived dressed as Kanye West and Bianca Censori, a stunt he joked was because they were “violating the dress code”.
