Wet Leg frontwoman Rhian Teasdale made a dramatic entrance at the BRIT Awards on Saturday evening, capturing attention with a striking and unconventional look. The 32-year-old singer arrived at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester sporting a beige printed mini skirt and a cream faux fur shawl, but it was her legs that truly stole the spotlight. Her knees appeared to be conspicuously covered in what looked like fresh blood, creating a bold and unexpected visual statement on the prestigious red carpet.
A Complete and Coordinated Ensemble
Rhian complemented her ensemble with a pair of white boots that added significant height to her frame. She accessorised further with animal print gloves, carrying a stylish handbag to complete the outfit. Her hair, dyed in vibrant shades of pink and yellow, was styled poker straight, framing her face as she posed confidently for photographers.
She was joined on the red carpet by her Wet Leg bandmates Hester Chambers, Henry Holmes, Josh Mobaraki, and Ellis Durand. The group, which formed on the Isle of Wight in 2019, has received nominations for two major awards at this year's ceremony: Group of the Year and Alternative/Rock Act.
Historic Venue Shift from London to Manchester
The 2026 BRIT Awards represents a landmark moment in the event's history, marking the first of three years under the stewardship of Sony Music UK. This edition signals a seismic shift as the ceremony moves away from London for the very first time since its inception in 1977.
Previous venues have included Earl's Court, the London Arena, Alexandra Palace, Hammersmith Apollo, the Dominion Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, the Grosvenor Hotel, and the original Wembley Conference Centre. The relocation to Manchester's state-of-the-art Co-op Live arena signifies what many are calling the most significant change in the awards' nearly five-decade history.
Industry Reactions to the Move
A source close to the organisers told the Daily Mail: 'It's officially the end of an era. The BRIT Awards has been hosted in London since the ceremony first took place in 1977 and now for the first time ever, it will be held outside of the capital.'
'Obviously, it's going to come as sad news to artists and talent who are London-based but there's a feeling within the music industry that these shows don't always need to be held at the same venues, year after year.'
The source continued: 'The BRITs is the biggest night in the British music calendar and now it will be shared with a new audience, as fans from Manchester and the surrounding areas are more likely to attend.'
'In recent years, there has been a general appetite for the ceremony to move, as with the The Mercury Prize and The MOBO Awards and now for the first time the music scene won't be as London-centric, both for the nominees and fans.'
Official Statements from Key Figures
Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about the relocation: 'This is a very exciting time for The BRIT Awards. Moving to Manchester, the home of some of the most iconic and defining artists of our lifetime, will invigorate the show and build on the BRITs legacy of celebrating and reinvesting in world-class music.'
'Hosting the show in Manchester, with its vibrant cultural history, perfectly captures the spirit and energy of the BRIT Awards. I can't wait to see the show at the amazing state-of-the art Co-op Live venue.'
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, welcomed the decision: 'For The BRIT Awards to move out of London is a massive coup for Greater Manchester. After 48 years, it is great that this prestigious global event is about to arrive in the UK capital of music and culture.'
He added: 'Greater Manchester has an unparalleled music heritage known around the world, and this summer will play host to some of the biggest gigs on the planet. That was only made possible by our strong commitment to new talent and giving emerging artists the opportunities to make their name.'
'We thank our friends at the BPI for choosing Manchester and we will pull out all the stops to show they made the right decision. Celebrating the BRIT Awards right here in the home of 24 hour party people is the next chapter in its story and you can be sure that we will help them do it in style.'
Complete List of 2026 BRIT Awards Nominations
Artist of the Year
- Dave
- Fred Again...
- JADE
- Lily Allen
- Little Simz
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- PinkPantheress
- Sam Fender
- Self Esteem
Group of the Year
- The Last Dinner Party
- Pulp
- Sleep Token
- Wet Leg
- Wolf Alice
Song of the Year (Public Vote)
- Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas – Blessings
- Chrystal and Notion – The Days (Notion remix)
- Cynthia Erivo ft Ariana Grande – Defying Gravity
- Ed Sheeran – Azizam
- Fred Again, Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap
- Lewis Capaldi – Survive
- Lola Young – Messy
- Myles Smith – Nice to Meet You
- Olivia Dean – Man I Need
- Raye – Where Is My Husband!
- Sam Fender with Olivia Dean – Rein Me In
- Skye Newman – Family Matters
International Song of the Year (Public Vote)
- Alex Warren – Ordinary
- Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club
- Disco Lines and Tinashe – No Broke Boys
- Gigi Perez – Sailor Song
- Gracie Abrams – That’s So True
- Huntr/x – Golden
- Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
- Rayvn Lenae – Love Me Not
- Rosé and Bruno Mars – APT.
- Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
- sombr – Undressed
- Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia
International Artist of the Year
- Bad Bunny
- Chappell Roan
- CMAT
- Doechii
- Lady Gaga
- ROSALIA
- Sabrina Carpenter
- sombre
- Taylor Swift
- Tyler, The Creator
Breakthrough Artist
- Barry Can't Swim
- EsDee
- Kid
- Jim Legxacy
- Lola Young
- Skye Newman
International Group of the Year
- Geese
- HAIM
- HUNTR/X-EJA
- E/AUDREY NUNA/REI AMI
Alternative Rock Act
- Blood Orange
- Lola Young
- Sam Fender
- Wet Leg
- Wolf Alice
Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act
- Central Cee
- Dave
- Jim Legxacy
- Little Simz
- Loyle Carner
R&B Act
- Jim Legxacy
- Kwn
- Mabel
- Sasha Keable
- Sault
Dance Act
- Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas
- FKA twigs
- Fred Again, Skepta, PlaqueBoyMax
- PinkPantheress
- Sammy Virji
Mastercard Album of the Year
- Dave - The Boy Who Played The Harp
- Lily Allen - West End Girl
- Olivia Dean - The Art Of Loving
- Sam Fender - People Watching
- Wolf Alice - The Clearing
