HIT THE ROAD JACK

Jack Whitehall is taking the Brits north to Manchester as he hosts the music awards bash for a record sixth time. MARION MCMULLEN learns more

- MARION MCMULLEN

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COMEDIAN Jack Whitehall released an Ode To Manchester when it was announced he was going to be presenting the Brit Awards from the city.

The music awards have moved north for the first time in the show's nearly 50-year history, and former University of Manchester student Jack marked the announcement by releasing a video celebrating everything from the Coronation Street cobbles to the Curry Mile... with a few affectionate digs about its rainy weather for good measure.

Jack has hosted the Brits for five years and the ceremony at Manchester's Co-Op Live will be a record-breaking sixth appearance.

The 37-year-old says he is thrilled about the change of venue as the city holds a special place in his heart, crediting living in Manchester as one of the most formative experiences in his early career.

"I am so excited to be coming back for this very special Brit Awards in Manchester, a place that is so important to me," says Jack. "The city I started my comedy career in, it feels like a real full circle moment returning to host this historic night at the Coop Live, a venue that is only a stone's throw away from the comedy club I did my first 10-minute set in all those years ago. Hopefully I get a few more laughs than I did that night. I cannot wait."

As well as taking a trip down memory lane, Jack will also be introducing performances from some of the biggest names in pop, including the One Direction member-turned-solo superstar Harry Styles.