Sam Fender shared a heartfelt congratulatory kiss with his rarely-seen girlfriend, actress Rosa Collier, as he secured the first BRIT Award of the evening during Saturday's star-studded ceremony. The 2026 event, held at Manchester's Co-op Live arena, witnessed the 31-year-old musician triumph with Song of the Year for his collaborative track, Rein Me In, featuring Olivia Dean.
Award Night Romance and Recognition
Sam, who garnered four nominations this year, teamed up with 26-year-old Olivia Dean for the chart-topping single that dominated the UK singles chart. As Robbie Williams presented the award, Sam leaned in for a tender kiss with Rosa before ascending the stage. Olivia expressed her joy, stating, 'I think this is a beautiful song and it's been a pleasure to be a part of it.'
Reports indicate that Sam has been discreetly dating the stunning actress since 2022, with their relationship deepening in 2023. Rosa, who studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, has become an integral part of Sam's life, often supporting him from the crowd during tours. A friend confirmed, 'Sam is very much in love with Rosa,' noting their romantic travels, including a recent holiday to the Maldives.
Historic Shift in BRIT Awards Nominations
The 46th BRIT Awards marked a significant departure by relocating to Manchester's Co-op Live Arena for the first time, ending a long-standing tradition in London. This move aligns with broader changes in the ceremony's structure, particularly following the removal of gendered categories, which had previously sparked backlash over low female representation.
In 2026, a remarkable 70% of nominations are female or non-binary artists, signaling a progressive shift. Lola Young and Olivia Dean lead with five nominations each, while comeback artist Lily Allen, recognized for her album West End Girl, competes in three categories. Allen's work chronicles the collapse of her marriage to David Harbour, adding a personal dimension to the awards.
Notable Performers and Tributes
Olivia Dean, who achieved the feat of simultaneous number one single and album in the UK since Adele in 2021, is set to perform at the ceremony. British rapper Dave, with three nominations, and Raye, who holds a record for most BRIT Awards won in a single ceremony, also feature prominently. Raye will close the show with a performance, adding to the night's excitement.
The ceremony pays tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrated through a rock performance led by Robbie Williams. Curated by Ozzy's wife Sharon, the segment includes musicians from his band, honoring his enduring legacy in music.
Venue Change and Industry Impact
The move to Manchester reflects a strategic shift to diversify the awards' audience and location, with plans to rotate venues across the UK in future years. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, hailed the decision as a 'massive coup,' emphasizing the city's rich musical heritage. This change aims to make the event more inclusive and accessible to fans outside London.
Comedian Jack Whitehall returns as host for the sixth time, expressing enthusiasm for presenting in Manchester, where he began his comedy career. The nominations span various genres, with categories like Group of the Year seeing a nod to British icons Pulp for the first time since 1996.
Overall, the 2026 BRIT Awards blend romantic moments, historic nominations, and a venue shift, highlighting evolving trends in the music industry while celebrating artistic excellence.
