The 2026 Brit Awards, hosted by Jack Whitehall, sparked controversy as he made jokes about Manchester, drawing criticism for perceived classism. Whitehall's jokes about drug use in Manchester and mocking individuals from Preston and the audience's attire ignited a heated debate. Critics accused him of perpetuating stereotypes, with one viewer expressing frustration, 'Sick of Jack Whitehall's poor Manchester tropes. It's classless classism.' Another viewer called for him to be removed from the screen, criticizing his 'weird and bizarre classist Manchester jokes.' Whitehall's previous hosting of the ceremony in London and his return to Manchester's Co-Op Live arena were met with mixed reactions, with some viewers questioning his comedic taste and sensitivity to class issues.
