Reality TV stars were reportedly barred from walking the red carpet at the BRIT Awards on Tuesday night, as organisers sought to keep the focus on music. The annual ceremony, held at London's O2 Arena, saw music industry heavyweights such as Adele, Sam Fender, and Ed Sheeran grace the carpet, while several reality personalities, including former Love Island contestants, were excluded.
According to a source cited by OK! Magazine, BRIT Awards organisers were determined to 'put their foot down' regarding reality stars on the red carpet. 'They don’t want to have reality stars that are not involved in music walking the red carpet,' the source said. This decision explains the absence of figures like Maura Higgins, Laura Whitmore, and Jacqueline Jossa from official red carpet photographs.
Maura Higgins, 31, took to Instagram Stories to explain her absence, telling fans she missed the red carpet due to heavy traffic. She later shared footage from inside the event, praising Adele's performance of 'I Drink Wine'. Jacqueline Jossa, 29, was photographed leaving her London hotel in a glittering jumpsuit but was not seen on the carpet.
However, not all reality stars were affected. Former Love Island star Zara McDermott was pictured on the red carpet in a black satin gown, seemingly escaping the ban. The Mirror has contacted BRIT Awards 2022 organisers and ITV for comment.
