Comedian and actor Jack Whitehall has offered a vivid glimpse into his highly anticipated wedding plans, describing the upcoming nuptials with model Roxy Horner as a cultural collision of 'Downton Abbey meets EastEnders'. The 37-year-old star, who has been in a relationship with 34-year-old Horner since 2020 and announced their engagement in 2024, shared these colourful details during an appearance on this Saturday's episode of The Jonathan Ross Show.
A Family Gathering of Contrasts
Whitehall expressed genuine excitement about the wedding, noting it will mark the first time both families come together in person. 'I’m very excited - it’s going to be great. It’s the first time our families are ever coming together,' he revealed. 'I’ve met her family, but my family have not met her family.'
The comedian didn't hold back in characterising the distinct backgrounds of each family. 'My family, and it will come as no surprise to you, are a bunch of gilet wearing chinless toffs and her family are proper cockney, all West Ham fans, proper salt of the earth,' Whitehall explained with his trademark humour.
Danny Dyer Comparisons and Cultural Mash-Up
Referencing fellow guest Danny Dyer on the show, Whitehall added an extra layer to his description: 'Her uncle Gary makes Danny look like Jacob Rees-Mogg.' This comparison further emphasised the stark contrast between the two family backgrounds that will converge at the wedding celebration.
'It’s going to be a mash-up of Downton Abbey and EastEnders,' Whitehall summarised, creating a memorable image of aristocratic refinement meeting working-class London authenticity in what promises to be a uniquely British celebration.
Beyond the Wedding: BRITs Hosting and Fashion Antics
While wedding planning occupies much of his attention, Whitehall also discussed his upcoming sixth hosting stint at The BRITs ceremony. 'Personally I’m so excited - Harry Styles back at the BRITs,' he shared. 'He's doing a performance of his song Aperture, that's going to be one to look forward to.'
The comedian also revealed his mother Hillary's ambitious fashion plans for the star-studded event. 'She’s threatening to,' Whitehall said regarding her intention to replicate Chappell Roan's daring Grammys look. 'I did actually see her the other day. She was over to babysit my daughter and I looked over her shoulder and she was on Amazon and she was scrolling and trying to purchase this see-through breast plate.'
Awkward Celebrity Encounters
Whitehall further entertained with a story about an uncomfortable celebrity encounter during a holiday in the Maldives. 'I was on this holiday and I was in a restaurant with Roxy having a lovely dinner, and Craig David walked into the restaurant,' he recalled. 'I was like, "No, I’ve said so many jokes about him. This is so awkward."'
The situation became more uncomfortable when David approached their table. 'He started walking over towards the table. "Roxy, head down,"' Whitehall recounted. 'He was like, ‘Hey Roxy, so good to see you. How are you?’ Roxy had a little chat with him and he didn’t even address me and walked off.'
The revelation that followed added another layer to the story: 'She went, "Oh yeah, me and Craig, we used to hang out back in the day."'
Personal Milestones and Professional Commitments
The couple, who announced the birth of their first child in September 2023, are now preparing for their next significant life event. Whitehall's appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show comes just days before he takes up hosting duties for The BRITs once again, marking his sixth presentation of the prestigious music awards ceremony.
The episode featuring Whitehall, along with guests Danny Dyer, Dani Dyer, Patrick Dempsey, and Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem), airs Saturday at 9:25pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
