BRIT Awards viewing figures drop to their lowest ever as ITV lose more than one million viewers after primetime move – but show still attracts biggest audience share among 16-34 year olds
British viewing figures fell to their lowest ever level on Saturday night as many people were unable to watch the Jack Whitehall-hosted show in Manchester.
British music’s biggest awards show attracted 2.1 million viewers; that was more than a million fewer than when it first moved into a coveted timeslot on Saturday night.
When it moved from Tuesday to Saturday in 2023, the show was widely praised by fans and critics alike as it attracted 3.3 million viewers.
But just three years later, the series lost over a million viewers when it failed to match last year’s incredible ratings.
Viewing figures revealed the almost three-hour-long show reached just 2.1 million viewers last night; this was the event’s lowest audience ever.
In 2024 and 2025, the show averaged 2.5 million viewers; That’s still 400,000 more than he was able to get last night.
But it wasn’t all bad news for Brits, who had the largest 16-34 audience share of the day.
British viewing figures fell to their lowest ever level on Saturday night as many people were unable to watch the show, which was held in Manchester and hosted by Jack Whitehall.
2.1 million viewers attended British music’s biggest awards ceremony; that was more than a million fewer than when it first moved to the highly-attended venue on Saturday night
It also had the largest share (49 percent) of this demographic group since 2023.
Despite the action-packed show, which included Harry Styles’ long-awaited return to the stage, as well as stellar performances from Rosalia, Mark Ronson and Alex Warren, some fans were left unimpressed with the night.
Others complained that they were “lost for words” in the episode In Memoriam, while complaining about Jack’s “tired, pretentious kid nonsense”.
This year’s BRIT Awards were a touching tribute to the music legends lost last year; This episode was introduced by Tim Burgess, who started with a tribute to British bassist Mani.
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield died aged 63 in November last year, leaving the music industry in mourning.
The Charlatans’ rocker told the arena: ‘Hello everyone, I’m here tonight to pay tribute to my close friend. Mani changed music and inspired generations after him. These songs he recorded will be his legacy.
‘It was one of the truly remarkable ones. I want you to think about Mani for a moment and we can value our time together and the idea of experiencing his time. Let’s take a few moments to remember Mani.’
Following Tim’s touching speech, a VT pack was played with some of the other music legends lost in the past year, including Ozzy Osbourne.
Following Tim’s touching speech, a VT pack was played with some of the other music legends lost this year, including Ozzy Osbourne.
Other names on screen included Nicky Ryan, Roberta Flack, Thommy Price, Gilson Lavis and Chris Dreja.
However, viewers watching at home were less than impressed with what should have been the touching moment and flooded social media with comments.
One said: ‘What a touching tribute that some people’s names are written in a larger font, while others are small and don’t stay on screen for more than half a second.’;
‘Probably the worst tribute episode I’ve ever seen in British. Also, is that all they did for Ozzy Osbourne? He got so much more at the Grammys! ‘Very poor’;
‘Is this the Commemoration episode of the #BRITsaf***ing competition? ‘If we can read this fast, will we get points?’;
‘This is the worst tribute ever. Lots of random names on a screen showing about 5 clips ahahahahahhahaa wtffffff’;
‘Oh, this tribute to Mani…. I’m lost for words He really deserved better’;
‘A beautiful tribute to Mani by Tim Burgess, before a surprisingly long list of names fades away for a sombre Memories section. Sometimes it seems like pop’s first great era is fading before our eyes. Congratulations to the #BRITs for bringing this home so sensitively.’
Another exploded: ‘What kind of extortion was this?’
Meanwhile, later in the ceremony, the late Ozzy Osbourne was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Black Sabbath’s frontman, who passed away in July last year, was celebrated for his unique impact and influence on music around the world.
The awards concluded with an all-star rock tribute performance led by Robbie Williams, who was personally asked to be a part of the show by Ozzy’s wife Sharon, a longtime fan of the music and a friend of the Osbourne family.
Curated by Sharon, the album featured a special arrangement of No More Tears, the title track from Ozzy’s million-selling 1991 album of the same name.
Jack returned to host the ceremony for the sixth time, after previously hosting the event in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2025.
The segment featured an outstanding line-up of British and international musical talent, featuring musicians who have played as part of Ozzy’s band over the years.
Robbie was accompanied on stage by Ozzy’s lead guitarist Zakk Wylde, as well as Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo and Tommy Clufetos.
The 46th edition of the BRIT Awards kicked off last night at Manchester Co-op Live Arena.
Since the abolition of gender-based categories such as Best Male and Best Female, the ceremony has faced backlash over the small number of female artists nominated, particularly in 2023 when the Artist of the Year shortlist is entirely male.
However, changes took place in 2026; 70 percent of this year’s nominees were women or non-binary candidates.
Comedian Jack Whitehall returned to host the ceremony for the sixth time, having previously hosted the event in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2025.
He left in 2022 with Mo Gilligan taking over the two ceremonies, and in 2024 the event was co-hosted by Maya Jama, Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo.
It was his first time presenting in Manchester and Whitehall, 37, says the city shaped his early comedy career after studying at the University of Manchester.
In a new clip shared on social media titled Ode to Manchester, the TV personality showed off everything from the Curry Mile to Coronation Street.
He said: ‘I’m so excited to be back for this very special BRIT Awards in Manchester, a place that means so much to me.
‘It feels like a full circle moment to return to host this historic night at Co-op Live in the city where I started my comedy career, a venue just a stone’s throw from the comedy club where I performed my first ten-minute set all those years ago.’
He added: ‘I hope I laugh a little more than I did that night. I’m getting impatient.’
