Jack Whitehall reveals why he won't be hosting the BRIT Awards next year
He's hosted for the past four years
Last updated 9th Dec 2021
Actor, comedian and presenter Jack Whitehall joined us on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show to talk about his acting career and upcoming projects. Jack has hosted the BRIT Awards for the past four years and opened up about not hosting next year's event.
The 2022 BRITs will instead be hosted by comedian Mo Gilligan, and Fleur East got chatting to Jack about passing the torch onto Mo: "He's going to do amazing. I was so excited to see he was taking over, he's the perfect choice for host, he's going to absolutely nail it. I've done his show a few time, he's a really hilarious comedian and he's going to absolutely nail it."
Jack also spoke about the reason he won't be hosting next year: "I am going to be doing a film, and I'm going to be in the middle of nowhere in one of the most depressing locations that you could possibly imagine and I'm going to be sat there in a hotel room on my own, probably watching the BRITs and wishing I was there."
He joked about how the next BRIT Awards would be different: "It will be weird not doing it because it has been four years, but I think probably the time is right and I think they're going to do exciting things with the show and freshen it up, and five years of me going on and slagging off Niall Horan, it just would've been too much, we need to give him a year off."
Although Jack couldn't say much more about his upcoming role, he did get chatting about his starring role in the live action Clifford the Big Red Dog film, which premieres in the UK on 10th December.
He plays the role of an irresponsible uncle left to look after his young niece, and Fleur asked about the similarities between Jack and his character: "I'm definitely like Uncle Casey, he's a hot mess; this irresponsible man-child, it didn't feel like much of a stretch for me, and he's the last person on earth you would ever ask to babysit anyone.
"He babysits his niece in this movie and I realised I have a niece, and I'm the only person in my family who hasn't been asked to look after her."
Speaking about his role as an uncle in real life, Jack said: "I'm just very bad at being the bad guy or saying no, I feel like if I was looking after my niece and she asked if she could get a dog I would be like 'yeah I don't want to say no you can just have a dog', even though it's probably quite irresponsible to do so."
He also revealed what it was like filming scenes with Clifford as he was CGI'd into the film: "We were filming mainly with a puppet that was operated by these two guys, it was kind of terrifying, it was like a big red dog skeleton that moved just like a dog, it was very unnerving but it was very useful as well because it was like we were interacting with a 10ft dog.
"There were also lots of scenes for the close ups where you'd have to have various Clifford body parts. So, you'd have a massive red tail, some guys holding Clifford's head on a stick, there was even Clifford's tongue which was a big rubber dog's tongue that was operated by a guy from the props department putting his hand in it and then dipping it in a bucket of dog slobber. There was a lot of interaction with Clifford with various body parts which was very strange."
Jack and Fleur talked about how the film is a great choice for families to watch over the Christmas period: "Its such a wholesome film, it's got this lovely message at the heart of it about accepting people if they're different and the power of kindness and how a little bit of kindness can go a long way. It's a wholesome family fair that will leave you feeling warm inside"
You can watch Clifford the Big Red Dog in cinemas from 10th December.
Take a look through these other films that will get you in the Christmas spirit:
10. Arthur Christmas
Ever wondered what Santa Claus' family history is? Well, this film reveals all! The animation might interrupt a more child based audience but come on who isn't still a child at heart?
We are. And, Arthur Christmas hits you right in the heart watching this wonderful warm tail. If you are wanting a fun magical film to get you in the spirit this is the one.
9. Home Alone
Now, the great thing about Home Alone is that there is not just one film, there is five! YES, five films! On serious note who has really seen three, four and five? If you are in the mood to keep the festive feelings going though you have five action packed, full of mischief and comedy Christmas films in one here, you are sorted.
8. The Polar Express
How would you react if you woke up to a huge magical train outside? We wouldn't be able to contain our excitement! The Polar Express is just full of magic and if you are looking a for something for the whole family this is one for you. Also, does anyone else think the train driver looks exactly the voice actor Tom Hanks?
7. Die Hard
Right, lets settle this once and for all…does Die Hard count as a Christmas film?
Well, we have taken this film into consideration because it's definitely not your usual Christmas film. If you're sick of the usual Christmas film and want something a little different, then this is a good shout. Besides, who doesn't love a young Bruce Willis squaring up against Professor Snape?
6. Office Christmas Party
Surely everyone can relate to this film as the excitement of the Christmas work do's are just around the corner, they're arguably more exciting than Christmas itself...too far?
If you need some inspiration for your Christmas party, well, this is the film to go to – it's in the name! You'll be rolling around on the floor laughing at some of the stuff they get up to in this film, though we do feel sorry for the person cleaning up after, but the messier the party, the better, right?
5. The Holiday
You are defo going to need lots and lots of tissues for this one, just thinking about the film brings a tear to our eyes.
The Holiday is such a beautiful, heartwarming film full of love; and what more could you want at this time of year? Who else is seriously jealous of Kate Winslet's characters' cute cottage? Or are you more the LA mansion type?
4. Daddy's Home 2
This is a more recent Christmas film, but it's sure to become a classic in years to come, with it's hilarious take on Christmas.
If you're wanting a laugh then this is a must – we guarantee it'll knock your Christmas socks off, not that we're wanting to make your feet cold, but this film's worth it and something for the whole family.
3. The Grinch
Does anyone feel that the older they get, the more they can relate to the Grinch? Urm yes. It's defo worth watching this film or even watching it again, and you'll totally understand where we're coming from, it'll crack you up.
2. Love Actually
Get the tissues out, you are going to need them for all those joyful tears. Love Actually is such a feel good and warm film that sprinkles the right kind of magic and love at this wonderful time of year. If this sounds like a bit of you, then what are you waiting for...?
1. Elf
Elf is an all-time classic and we would recommend watching this not just once over the festive season, but at least three times.
We guarantee that you will laugh harder each and every time. This film has a mixture of laughs, love, and care – and come on, let's be real, we all know that at some point in our lives we've wanted to try Buddy's specialty spaghetti with a sweet twist. If you are in the mood for good vibes and good laughs then Elf is the Christmas film for you.
Now Read:
New teaser trailer released for Harry Potter TV special reunion
You can now stay in the iconic Home Alone house
Downton Abbey release OFFICIAL teaser trailer for film's sequel 🎬