ITV executives were compelled to censor comedian Jack Whitehall during his hosting duties at the BRIT Awards ceremony on Saturday, following a controversial joke referencing former Labour heavyweight Peter Mandelson. The disgraced ex-minister was arrested last week as part of an ongoing probe into alleged misconduct in public office, centered on accusations that he leaked sensitive government information to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary.
Live Broadcast Censorship Incident
During the event at Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena, Whitehall appeared to allude to Mandelson while engaging with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. However, the remark was obscured for television audiences, with viewers at home hearing bird sound effects over Whitehall's comments. The host quipped that the BRITs was "the only party Andy is allowed into these days," mocking Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's block on Burnham's parliamentary ambitions. Whitehall then referenced Mandelson's inclusion in the so-called Epstein Files, stating: "Peter Mandelson might even be here, oh wait no, that’s another list."
Background of the Mandelson Investigation
Police conducted raids on Mandelson's residences in London and Wiltshire two weeks ago, prompted by revelations within the three million pages of Epstein documents released by the US Department of Justice. Emails suggest that both Mandelson, who acted as de-facto deputy Prime Minister under Gordon Brown, and Andrew, a former UK trade envoy, may have transmitted potentially confidential details from official briefings to Epstein. While neither individual has publicly addressed the allegations, they are understood to deny any wrongdoing.
Scotland Yard's central specialist crime division has dedicated weeks to scrutinising evidence from the US files, government records, and documents seized during the earlier searches of Mandelson's properties. The released US documents indicate that Mandelson could have leaked information regarding prospective policy measures, including an "asset sales plan," a tax on bankers' bonuses, and a euro bailout package the day prior to its 2010 announcement.
Whitehall's Additional Award Show Jibes
Merely minutes into the broadcast, Whitehall took a swipe at the recent BAFTA Film Awards, informing viewers that the BRITs had secured the "best in the business" for operating the bleep button—joking it was the same individual responsible for last Sunday's beleaguered ceremony. He remarked: "We've got the best in the business here tonight [for bleeping swear words], we've got the guy from the BAFTAs." This comment referenced Tourette's campaigner John Davidson, who was heard shouting during the BAFTA presentation by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
Furthermore, as Harry Styles exited the stage, Whitehall amused the audience by comparing watching the "Watermelon Sugar" singer's performance to "sitting on a washing machine for three minutes." When Robbie Williams appeared to present Song of the Year, Whitehall couldn't resist another dig, noting that the hitmaker has had "more comebacks than his hairline."
Manchester and Oasis References
Addressing the BRITs' historic relocation to Manchester, alongside the potential Oasis reunion as cameras focused on Noel Gallagher, Whitehall jested that it had been a "great year for Manchester's drug dealers," prompting laughter from Gallagher. Social media reactions praised Whitehall's humour, with comments such as: "Jack never misses when it comes to roasting award shows," and "Jack Whitehall absolutely nailing the hosting with that perfectly timed dig at the BAFTA bleeping drama."
BRIT Awards Evolution and Nominations
The 46th BRIT Awards marked its inaugural staging at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena. Following the removal of gendered categories like Best Male and Best Female, the ceremony has encountered criticism for the limited number of female nominees, particularly in 2023 when the Artist Of The Year shortlist was exclusively male. However, 2026 signifies a shift, with 70 percent of nominations awarded to female or non-binary artists.
Lola Young and Olivia Dean lead the nominations with five each, closely trailed by comeback artist Lily Allen, recognised in three categories for her acclaimed fifth album, "West End Girl." The album details the breakdown of her marriage to "Stranger Things" star David Harbour and his alleged infidelities. Allen will compete against Young and Dean for Artist Of The Year, while also vying for Album Of The Year and Pop Act.
Young is additionally nominated for Breakthrough Artist and Alternative/Rock Act, though her attendance remains uncertain. Dean, who became the first woman since Adele in 2021 to simultaneously top the UK singles and albums charts in 2025, will perform at the ceremony. She expressed excitement about returning to Manchester, stating: "To go from being a student of The BRIT School in the crowd to being a performer 10 years later is really crazy."
Whitehall's Hosting History and Manchester Ties
Comedian Jack Whitehall returned to host the BRIT Awards for the sixth time, having previously presided over the event in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025. He absented himself in 2022 when Mo Gilligan assumed hosting duties for two ceremonies, with Maya Jama, Roman Kemp, and Clara Amfo co-hosting in 2024. This marks his first presentation in Manchester, a city he credits with shaping his early comedy career after studying at The University of Manchester.
In a recent social media clip titled "Ode to Manchester," Whitehall showcased local landmarks from the Curry Mile to Coronation Street. He shared: "I am so excited to be coming back for this very special BRIT Awards in Manchester, a place that is so important to me. The city I started my comedy career in, it feels like a real full circle moment."
Special Tributes and Performances
The late Ozzy Osbourne was posthumously honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising the Black Sabbath frontman's indelible impact on global music following his passing in July last year. The ceremony concluded with an all-star rock tribute performance led by Robbie Williams, who was personally invited by Ozzy's wife Sharon due to his longstanding fandom and friendship with the Osbourne family.
Curated by Sharon herself, the segment featured a special arrangement of "No More Tears," the title track from Ozzy’s multi-million selling 1991 album. The performance included a stellar lineup of British and international musicians who played in Ozzy's band over the years, with Williams joined on stage by lead guitarist Zakk Wylde, Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, and Tommy Clufetos.
