RETURNING to host the Brits for the fifth time, Jack Whitehall assured me he wouldn’t be giving the stars an easy ride.
“I know Sam Fender and Jade will be up for it,” Jack told me backstage yesterday.
“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.”
Opening up about how he prepares for the show, Jack said: “It’s so long, it’s good to have a shot of tequila half way 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.”
Of the tribute to Liam, Jack added: “It’s really lovely that we have this moment within the show to pay tribute and remember him.
“I have lots of really great memories of Liam. He was always game for fun.
“I filmed some sketches with him – not everyone is up for that, but he always made time.”
Jack is presenting, along with TV presenters including Harriet Rose, who hosted Brits: The Warm Up on ITV2 this week.
I can reveal Lenny Kravitz, Danny Dyer, Sugababes, and Jason Isaacs will also be handing out gongs alongside Millie and Paloma.
Sabrina is gown for it, big time
SHE will be receiving the Global Success award – and Sabrina Carpenter plans to dress to impress.
We’re told the Taste singer will be suffering in the name of fashion, after deciding on a gown which is so extravagant she can’t even sit down in it.
But event insiders say she is planning THREE different looks for the night, to take in her red carpet arrival, her performance and the moment she receives her award – which I can reveal will be presented by celebrity fan Millie Bobby Brown.
I’m sure Millie will look equally as glam, after dazzling in a sheer dress at the premiere of her Netflix film The Electric State in Madrid this week.
Meanwhile Sabrina’s team have been tasked with finding a vehicle suitable to get her to the show after realising that, because of her mystery attire, she will need to be stood up for the entire journey.
Our mole said: “Sabrina wanted to make sure her debut Brit Awards was one to remember and thought her red-carpet look was perfect. The only problem is that she cannot sit down once it’s on.
“Her team have spent hours finding a van which she can stand up in from her hotel to the O2 Arena.
“It has cost the best part of a grand – but for how good she looks, Sabrina knows it’s worth it.”
Sadly, we won’t be travelling in such style. I’m slumming it on the Tube with Howell while Jack is being far more flash and has booked himself an Uber Boat to cruise down the Thames to the O2.
Brits, ahoy.
Cheers to Paloma
PALOMA FAITH is ready to tear up the Brits – after accusing younger stars of being less rock ’n’ roll than in the past.
The Picking Up The Pieces singer will be on a table at the ceremony after being called up to hand out one of the gongs.
And she told Bizarre she was thrilled that she will be able to get boozy, after arranging for her two kids to stay with their dad for the night.
She said: “I usually have one drink and then I’m telling everyone I’m drunk, as I’m a lightweight.”
Paloma, who herself won the now-defunct Female Solo Artist award a decade ago, continued: “The Brits have got tamer. It used to be fun, like when Jarvis Cocker went on and mooned and stuff.
“But I do feel like it’s reflective of culture. It’s all quite middle-of-the-road now.”
And revelling in the idea of not having to rush home, she added: “My kids luckily go to their dad’s on a Saturday night so I’m free. It’s all lined up very well.”
See you down the front, Paloma.
Jade ready for big show
JADE is pulling out all the stops for her performance.
Before taking to the stage she posed in a stunning blue dress on the cover of Wonderland Magazine, out soon.
Speaking about her set, the former Little Mix star said: “[The Brits] is my first opportunity to have all the bells and whistles, do a big show and show people that I am a big Pop girlie.
“Maybe I’ve been too ambitious.”
Never, Jade. You’re going to smash it.
SPACE backstage at London’s O2 is at a premium but Jade’s got plenty of room to breathe.
My mole told me she has three rooms set aside, while poor old Sabrina Carpenter has to make do with just two.
A special green room has also been created, with huge white sofas.
My insider said. “The green room looks more like the Ritz than a room in the O2.”
Lola puts on Brit of a show
LOLA YOUNG was in great form after taking the stage at Universal UK’s artist showcase last night – ahead of her first ever performance at the Brits.
She put on a show alongside Sam Fender, The Last Dinner Party and Olivia Dean at Universal’s London HQ, belting out her cult hit, Messy.
Sam was on a massive high after learning he’d bagged his third No1 album with People Watching.
And he will be letting loose after the ceremony at Universal Music’s after-party, which is being held at 180 Studios just off the Strand in London.
This year Universal’s party organisers have called upon artist Chila Kumari Burman to design a bespoke backdrop for the bash, which is one of the swankiest Brits parties.
I’ll be heading to Universal’s after party, while Howell is off to Sony’s.
And Jack is down at Warner’s, so check back in on Monday for all the hottest gossip.
Ultimate guide to the Brits
WHEN’S IT ON?
THE ceremony is broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX tonight at 8.15pm and on STV and STV Player in Scotland.
It will also be streamed on YouTube for those outside the UK. The Red Carpet will be live- streamed on the Brits’ Instagram and Facebook accounts before the main event.
WHO’S PERFORMING?
SABRINA CARPENTER is the big-name performer. Jade, Lola Young, Myles Smith, Sam Fender, Teddy Swims, and The Last Dinner Party will also take to the stage.
Ezra Collective and Jorja Smith will perform as well.
WHO’S HOSTING?
COMEDIAN Jack Whitehall is overseeing proceedings. It’s the fifth time he has hosted the Brits and he has promised he won’t go easy on the A-listers.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
BACKSTAGE, I’m told that Moroccan spiced vegan burgers are proving very popular on the riders, with smoked paprika lamb tacos also on order.
Celebs on tables are in for a three course feast, starting with Lincolnshire celeriac and oyster leaf mousse pearl.
For their main, it’s either Home Counties shawarma spiced venison or laverbread leek wellington.
And pud will be a posh sponge with a white chocolate and bee pollen crunch.
WHO WILL WIN?
My money is on Charli XCX to pick up Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Artist of the Year, while I think Taylor Swift will bag the International Act gong.
International Song of the Year should go to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso. I reckon Sam Fender will win in the Alternative/Rock act.
Group of the Year belongs to Coldplay in my eyes, with Ezra Collective deserving to pick up Best New Artist. Dave should win Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act and I would love Jade to land the Pop Act prize.
ANY SURPRISES?
MY Brits mole told me a massive A-list guest is being lined up for a cameo – but their name is a closely guarded secret.
The organisers have also outdone themselves with an enormous 3D Brit Award being put up on the stage.
