Exclusive:
Jack Whitehall has revealed he makes a ‘dummy’ script when hosting the BRIT Awards so artists management teams can’t stop him from making small digs
BRIT Awards host Jack Whitehall says he’ll keep the stars at tomorrow’s bash on their toes with his jokes.
It’ll be the fifth time the comedian fronts the biggest night in UK music and he’s been working on the script for months. And while their teams have been given a sneak peak of what he has in store – he’s promised to sneak in some surprises. “We have this process where we spend four months writing this script and crafting it all and [in the rehearsal] there’s this moment where we’re finalising it, picking the right jokes and slotting it all into place,” Jack, 36, explained.
“Then [for the dress rehearsals], I do a dummy script so no one can complain about what I’m saying about their acts. Then on the night, [I make sure] there are a few surprises for the acts, the record labels and ITV. I like to keep everyone on their toes.” Ezra Collective, Jorja Smith, JADE, Lola Young, Myles Smith, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Fender, Teddy Swims and The Last Dinner Party all perform at tonight’s awards at London’s O2 Arena.
Charli xcx is up for five awards. Already announced winners include Myles Smith is the winner of this year’s BRITs Rising Star award; Sabrina Carpenter will be receiving the BRITs Global Success award; Charli xcx will be this year’s Songwriter of the Year. Looking at this year’s glittering roster of stars, Jack named some he was excited to see.
“I really love Sam Fender’s album – I listened to it recently, so I’m looking forward to seeing him live,” he said. “And Jade – she’s going to give a pretty spectacular performance, with lots of stagecraft, so that will be a very memorable performance.”Jack, who last hosted the awards in 2021, says he has not issued any wild demands in return for his hosting duties.
“My rider is exactly the same as when I was 20 – so it’s just filled with Diet Cokes,” he confesses. “But I recently was on tour with my dad and his rider is insane – like three Laurent Perrier champagne because he says he might have to entertain friends… but he only has like one friend. Mine’s far more tame.”
Warming up for the big event, Universal Music UK hosted an intimate artist showcase at its London headquarters yesterday, featuring standout performances from four of the hottest artists – Sam Fender, Lola Young, Olivia Dean and The Last Dinner Party. After the awards are handed out tonight the musicians and their entourages will head to a series of swanky afterparties held by big labels, including Sony.
Theirs will be held at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, where there will be free flowing Laurent Perrier champagne, unlimited cocktails including Eastern Standard, Spicy Margarita, Espresso Martini and Saki shots on arrival. Jade Thirlwall and Calvin Harris are rumoured to be in attendance.
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