Luke Littler and Faith Millar Shine at BRIT Awards Amidst Nominations Shift
Littler and Millar at BRIT Awards as Nominations Evolve

Luke Littler and Faith Millar Grace BRIT Awards Red Carpet in Manchester

Darts sensation Luke Littler, aged 19, made a rare public appearance with his glamorous girlfriend, Faith Millar, also 19, at the prestigious BRIT Awards held at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena on Saturday. The couple, who have been dating since last summer, turned heads as they arrived for the star-studded ceremony, showcasing a loved-up display on the red carpet.

Luke, the World Masters champion, opted for a sleek all-black ensemble, pairing a polo shirt with trousers and trainers for a casual yet stylish look. Meanwhile, Faith, a beautician by profession, stunned in a figure-hugging black gown, accessorised with gold jewellery and a matching clutch to add a touch of sparkle to the evening.

BRIT Awards Nominations See Major Shift Towards Female and Non-Binary Artists

In recent years, the BRIT Awards have faced criticism for the low number of female artists nominated, particularly in 2023 when the Artist Of The Year shortlist was entirely male. However, 2026 marks a significant turning point, with 70 percent of this year's nominations being female or non-binary, reflecting a broader push for inclusivity in the music industry.

Leading the nominations are Lola Young and Olivia Dean, each with five nods. Lola, 24, expressed her disbelief and gratitude, stating, 'Five BRIT nominations, how is this even possible? I've had this dream a thousand times, so I'm slightly convinced that my alarm clock is about to wake me up.' She is nominated for Artist Of The Year, Breakthrough Artist, and Alternative/Rock Act, among others.

Olivia Dean, 26, who became the first woman since Adele in 2021 to claim the UK's No 1 single and album in the same week, is also up for five awards and will perform at the ceremony. She shared her excitement, saying, 'To go from being a student of The BRIT School in the crowd to being a performer 10 years later is really crazy, and I'm so excited to see everyone in Manchester.'

Other Notable Nominees and Categories

Comeback queen Lily Allen, 40, has been recognised in three categories for her critically acclaimed fifth album, West End Girl, which chronicles the collapse of her marriage to actor David Harbour. She will compete against Lola Young and Olivia Dean for Artist Of The Year, as well as for Album Of The Year and Pop Act.

British rapper Dave has also garnered attention with three nominations, including Artist Of The Year and Album Of The Year for his third studio album, The Boy Who Played The Harp. At 27, Dave has made history as the first British rap artist to debut three albums at number one in the UK's official chart.

In contrast, Raye, who swept a record-breaking six awards last year, has been nominated in just one category this time. The 28-year-old singer previously won Song of the Year for Escapism ft 070 Shake and Best New Artist.

Full List of BRIT Awards 2026 Nominations

The nominations span various categories, highlighting a diverse range of talent:

  • Artist Of The Year: Dave, Fred Again..., JADE, Lily Allen, Little Simz, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, Sam Fender, Self Esteem
  • Group Of The Year: The Last Dinner Party, Pulp, Sleep Token, Wet Leg, Wolf Alice
  • Song Of The Year (Public Vote): Includes tracks by Calvin Harris, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, and Raye
  • International Artist Of The Year: Features stars like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny
  • Mastercard Album Of The Year: Contenders include Dave, Lily Allen, Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, and Wolf Alice

This year's BRIT Awards not only celebrate musical excellence but also underscore a pivotal moment in the industry's evolution towards greater gender diversity and representation.