BRIT Awards host Jack Whitehall takes brutal aim at ITV just moments into show

Jack Whitehall took aim at ITV and its cancelled presenters as he hosted the BRIT Awards this evening.

The comedian was back at the helm of the annual music awards ceremony - which aired live on ITV this evening - and it wasn't long before he settled back into his usual comic ways. Just moments into his opening monologue, Jack took aim at ITV as well as presenters who have been cancelled.

The host quipped: "ITV had so many cancelled presenters had to come crawling back to ex." Jack has hosted the music award show many times before, with his last in 2021. This year's ceremony kicked off with singer Sabrina Carpenter performing at London's O2 Arena. She kicked off the night with a rendition of her biggest hits including Espresso and Bed Chem.

Sabrina wowed with a performance in a red lacy outfit as her and her dancers performed to the innuendo laden song. Taking to social media, fans made their feelings clear about the performance. One wrote: "RIP to the 9pm watershed," whilst a second added: "Well this is just an awkward watch sat with the parents. #BRITs2025." A third shared: "I love sabrina so much cos I can see the British public reporting this to ofcom immediately #BRITs2025," with a fourth adding: "Bit inappropriate for an awards show…."

Ahead of the BRIT Awards, Jack quipped that tequila would be a great way to keep him going through the show. "It’s so long, it’s good to have a shot of tequila halfway through. Tequila is the best shot for the following morning. Although now I have a child, I need to weigh up if it’s worth having a hangover with a toddler the next morning," he joked.

And it looked like performers Sam Fender and JADE were Jack's targets on the night, as well as singer Charli XCX. He shared: "I know Sam Fender and Jade will be up for it. They’re always up for a laugh and don’t take themselves too seriously. Charli XCX is great too, and she’s the big story of the year. I’ll throw in some Brat jokes."

Of his return to the show, Jack added: "They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that is absolutely the case with The BRIT Awards - it is my favourite night of the year, and I am delighted to be invited back to host in 2025."

Some of the awards have already been announced ahead of the ceremony including Myles Smith, who took home the BRITs Rising Star Award, whilst Sabrina Carpenter will receive the Global Success Award. Songwriter of the Year will go to Charli XCX, with the rest of the awards to be given out in due course.