In a candid revelation ahead of the 2026 Brit Awards ceremony, beloved TV presenters Ant and Dec have declared they will "never again" host the prestigious British music awards, sharing insights from their past experiences and even taking a playful dig at the band Coldplay.
The Hosting History and a Firm Decision
Ant and Dec, renowned for their roles on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, have hosted the Brit Awards three times over the past two decades—in 2001, 2015, and most recently in 2016. Despite this history, they have made it clear that their hosting days are over. On the latest episode of their podcast, Hanging Out with Ant and Dec, they opened up about the reasons behind this decision, emphasizing the challenges of the role.
Why They're Stepping Away
Ant explained the difficulties of hosting, noting that while it's a fun night for nominees, it's not necessarily enjoyable for the hosts. "Everybody in the room just wants to get drunk and have a good time," he said. "Yet you're trying to wrangle the whole crowd, and you're also trying to present the TV show." He added that artists and bands often back out of pre-show interviews, despite prior agreements, making the job more stressful.
The Coldplay Incident
The conversation took a specific turn when Ant recalled an incident involving Coldplay, one of the most decorated bands in Brits history. He described how they were promised an interview with the Chris Martin-helmed band during the show, only to be told minutes before going live that Coldplay didn't want to do it. Dec humorously interjected, "This is the start of Ant's beef with Chris Martin," but Ant quickly denied any tension, saying, "I don't have any beef."
Memorable Moments and Missed Opportunities
Despite the challenges, Dec reflected on the satisfaction of successfully wrapping up the show. However, they admitted to missing one of the most iconic Brits moments: Madonna's fall on stage in 2015. At the time, they were too busy celebrating with champagne backstage to witness it live.
What's Next for Ant and Dec
While fans won't see them hosting the Brit Awards tonight, they will be helming Britain's Got Talent, which airs just before the ceremony, ensuring their presence on screen. Ant and Dec emphasized that their focus remains on their TV projects, leaving the Brits hosting to others.
The 2026 Brit Awards Preview
This year's Brit Awards, set for tonight, will be hosted by comedian and actor Jack Whitehall, a familiar face on the Brit stage. The ceremony is shaping up to be historic, as it will be held outside of London for the first time ever, taking place in Manchester. Highlights include:
- Harry Styles returning to the Brits after three years to perform his new single, Aperture.
- Rising British talents Olivia Dean and Lola Young competing in several major categories.
- Noel Gallagher receiving the Songwriter of the Year award.
The Brit Awards 2026 will air on ITV1 at 8:15pm, promising a night of music and celebration, albeit without Ant and Dec at the helm.
In summary, Ant and Dec's decision to never host the Brit Awards again stems from the logistical headaches and last-minute changes, exemplified by the Coldplay incident. As the 2026 ceremony approaches, all eyes are on Jack Whitehall and the star-studded lineup, marking a new chapter for the awards show.
