Love Island star Molly Marsh has publicly stated she is the 'happiest she has ever been,' despite her ex-boyfriend Zachariah Noble's announcement that he is expecting his first child. The revelation came as Molly graced the red carpet at the 2026 BRIT Awards, held for the first time at Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena.
Molly Marsh's Personal Update
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Molly Marsh, 28, expressed her current emotional state, saying, 'Really good, you know, I think I'm the happiest I've ever been, so I'm in a really good place at the moment.' She emphasized her focus on mental and physical strength, as well as bringing joy to her friends and family. Molly made a striking appearance in a dramatic gold caped gown, arriving early at the awards ceremony.
Zachariah Noble's Baby Announcement
Earlier this month, Zachariah Noble, also 28, shared that he is set to become a father with his girlfriend Ava Hirons. The couple began dating just three months after Zachariah and Molly split in July 2023. He posted a baby scan image on social media with the caption, 'Incoming summer '26,' accompanied by sweet photos with Ava and their dog. Ava, daughter of This Morning star Caroline Hirons, reposted content about pregnancy fitness training on the same day.
Molly and Zachariah were a notable couple from Love Island season 10, dating for two years and living together before their breakup. Molly later described the split as the 'best decision,' calling it an 'emotional, challenging, and deeply personal' time during an interview at the National Television Awards.
2026 BRIT Awards Highlights
The 46th BRIT Awards marked a historic move from London to Manchester, signaling a new era for the ceremony. This year's nominations are dominated by female and non-binary artists, with 70% of nominees falling into these categories, a significant shift from past criticisms over gender representation.
Key Nominees and Performances
Lola Young and Olivia Dean lead the nominations with five each, followed by Lily Allen with three nods for her album 'West End Girl.' Olivia Dean, who achieved a UK chart milestone in 2025, will perform at the event. Other notable nominees include Dave, recognized in three categories, and Raye, who holds the record for most BRIT Awards won in a single ceremony.
The ceremony will feature a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who will posthumously receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. A rock performance led by Robbie Williams will honor Osbourne's legacy, curated by his wife Sharon. Comedian Jack Whitehall returns as host for the sixth time, highlighting his connection to Manchester where he began his comedy career.
Venue Change and Industry Impact
The relocation to Manchester is part of a broader trend to decentralize major music events from London. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, praised the move, emphasizing the city's rich musical heritage. The BRIT Awards committee, under Sony Music UK, plans to rotate venues across the UK in coming years, aiming to engage wider audiences and reflect a less London-centric music scene.
Full nominations for the 2026 BRIT Awards include categories such as Artist of the Year, Group of the Year, and Song of the Year, with public voting for some awards. The event showcases a mix of established icons and emerging talents, reinforcing its status as a premier night in British music.
