Jack Whitehall is set to host the BRIT Awards in 2018. The 29 year old comedian will be walking in the footsteps of Dermot O’Leary and Emma Willis who were the presenters this year. Past hosts have included James Corden, Peter Kay and Russell Brand. Jason Iley, the BRIT Awards chairman, said that Whitehall would bring an “enormous enthusiasm, charisma, fun and passion” to the ceremony. The occasion is aimed to take place on the 21st of February at London’s 02 Arena in 2018.

 

Whitehall is perhaps best known for his acting roles in programmes such as Bad Education and Fresh Meat, as well as for his regular appearances on comedy panel shows on TV. He greeted the news with enthusiasm and said that the BRIT Awards was “the kind of show you dream of hosting as a kid, so I’m really excited to have been asked”. Despite his young age, he has previously hosted the Royal Variety Performance and the Britannia Awards in Los Angeles, so he has had experience presenting awards in front of large audiences.

The British Phonographic Industry’s annual pop music awards was originally held in 1977, and were conceived as a way of recognising popular talent in the United Kingdom. The awards have been the focal point of many iconic moments, such as being stage to the final appearance of Freddie Mercury and being the location in which the infamous protest against Michael Jackson staged by Jarvis Cocker took place.

 

Whilst the aesthetics and the format of the event have changed over the decades, the focus of identifying and celebrating British aptitude is still a central component of the service. Official nominations will be released in January of next year. Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran and Rag ‘N’ Bone are all expected to be included in the list. 20 year old singer Jorja Smith has already been awarded The Critics’ Choice award, which will be given to her at the ceremony in 2018.

Written By: Yohannes Lowe

 

George Millington