Jack Whitehall has revealed that a comedy sketch involving Harry Styles was rejected as 'inappropriate' ahead of this year's BRIT Awards. The comedian, 37, will return to host the ceremony for the sixth time when it relocates to Manchester's Co-op Live on February 28, marking the first time in the awards' 46-year history that it has been staged outside London.
Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show, Whitehall said he had been asked to submit ideas in advance, with some swiftly turned down. 'There was one that was me trekking for days to try and find him, and he'd been living in a hut, and he looked like Hagrid,' he explained. 'And then it had me shaving him. It was maybe like a fantasy of mine, but that got a hard no from his team.'
Whitehall did not expand on which elements were deemed unsuitable, but made clear the sketch was rejected outright. Styles is set to perform 'Aperture', the first single from his forthcoming fourth album, during Saturday night's ceremony.
The BRIT Awards' move to Manchester represents a significant shift for the event, which has been based in London since its inception. Organisers have said the relocation is intended to reach new audiences across the UK and shed its 'London-centric' reputation. Manchester is also set to host the event again in 2027.
Whitehall confirmed in December that he would remain as host despite the change of city. The comic has frequently fronted the ceremony since his first stint in 2018. Manchester holds particular significance for Whitehall, who studied at the University of Manchester and began performing stand-up in the city. 'I am so excited to be coming back for this very special BRIT Awards in Manchester,' he said in a video tribute.
