Nearly a fifth of Brits (18%) confess to wanting to see Ant & Dec host the BRIT Awards, with the nation appearing ready for a hosting shake-up, according to new research from Sky Bingo.
With the 2026 BRIT Awards just days away, a survey of 2,000 UK adults has revealed who they’d like to host the show, and the moments that have defined one of the music industry’s biggest nights.
Topping the list saw the Geordie presenting duo, Ant & Dec (18%). Alan Carr follows closely behind with 17% of the vote, while one in ten (10%) would happily see Jeremy Clarkson swap horsepower for star power and take to the BRITs stage.
And despite hosting the show five times previously, only 11% want to see Jack Whitehall pick up the microphone again.
The top five celebrities the nation wants to host the BRITs
| Rank | Celebrity | % of Brits |
| 1 | Ant & Dec | 18% |
| 2 | Alan Carr | 17% |
| 3 | Ricky Gervais | 15% |
| 4 | Danny Dyer | 12% |
| 5 | Jack Whitehall | 11% |
Freddie Mercury’s final public appearance as he collected the Outstanding Contribution Award in 1991, was voted as the most iconic BRIT Awards moment, with nearly a quarter of the public (22%). More than three decades on, it remains a powerful reminder that the awards are about far more than trophies; they capture cultural moments that last a lifetime.
Top five most iconic moments in BRIT Awards history
| Rank | Iconic Moment | % of Brits |
| 1 | Freddie Mercury’s last public appearance whilst collecting an Outstanding Contribution Award (1991) | 22% |
| 2 | Jarvis Cocker invading the stage during Michael Jackson’s ‘Earth Song’ performance (1996) | 13% |
| 3 | Geri Halliwell performing in the famous Union Jack dress (1997) | 8% |
| 4 | Amy Winehouse’s performance of Valerie alongside Mark Ronson (2008) | 7% |
| 5 | Madonna’s cape fall (2015) | 7% |
It’s not just the on-stage antics that Brits have had their say on. It’s clear that old fan favourites are retaining the public’s heart with one in five Brits (20%) suggesting that Ed Sheeran deserves to walk away as the event’s biggest winner, despite being nominated for just one award.
On the flip side, only 7% think Olivia Dean – who currently tops the UK singles chart – should take the top spot, while just 4% of the public back Lola Young – even though the pair are up for the most nominations this year.
A spokesperson for Sky Bingo said: “The BRIT Awards never fail to serve up a moment – whether it’s a powerhouse performance, a jaw-dropping outfit, or the kind of on-stage chaos that has everyone rewinding their TVs.
“Our research shows that the nation might come for the music, but they stay for the mayhem. At Sky Bingo, we know a little drama keeps things interesting, and if these predictions are anything to go by, this year’s BRITs could be less ‘smooth sailing’ and more ‘hold onto your hats.’”