Ant and Dec have revealed a firm stance on returning to host the Brit Awards: never again. The beloved duo, known for their decades-long partnership and hosting prowess, recently shared their candid experiences on their new podcast, “Hanging Out with Ant and Dec.” Their insights paint a picture of a chaotic night far removed from the glamour seen on screen.
Having hosted the prestigious awards show three times – in 2001, 2015, and 2016 – they’ve seen enough. Ant described the challenge of managing a room full of attendees primarily focused on enjoying themselves, while simultaneously trying to deliver a polished television broadcast. The inherent difficulty of wrangling both the audience and the performers proved to be a significant deterrent.
A specific anecdote highlighted the frustrations of securing pre-show interviews. Ant recounted being promised an interview with Coldplay, only to be informed, mere minutes before airtime, that the band had changed their minds. This sparked a playful exchange with Dec, who jokingly suggested it marked the beginning of a “beef” between Ant and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Ant quickly dismissed any notion of personal animosity, but the incident underscored a larger issue: the unpredictable nature of the event. Performers, swept up in the excitement, often reneged on commitments, adding another layer of complexity to an already demanding role.
Dec ultimately summarized the appeal of simply finishing the show successfully. They even confessed to missing Madonna’s infamous fall during the 2015 ceremony, as they were celebrating backstage with champagne. The duo clearly prefers the feeling of a job well done to the stress of managing a potentially unruly event.
While they won’t be gracing the Brit Awards stage this year, fans can still catch Ant and Dec hosting “Britain’s Got Talent,” which airs prior to the ceremony. This year’s Brit Awards, hosted by Jack Whitehall, marks a historic moment as it’s the first time the event will be held outside of London, in Manchester.
The 2026 ceremony promises a dynamic night with performances from Harry Styles, showcasing his new single, and rising stars Olivia Dean and Lola Young competing for major awards. Noel Gallagher is also set to receive the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award, adding to the evening’s excitement.
