Jack Whitehall to host Brit Awards 2020 despite awkward Little Mix moment at this year's ceremony

The comedian will be at the helm when the ceremony takes place next February 
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The Weekender

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Jack Whitehall has shared his excitement after being confirmed as the host of the 2020 Brit Awards.

The comedian has presented the ceremony for the past two years and will once again lead the show when the 40th Brits take place next February.

Following the announcement, he said: "I'm excited for another night of trying not to put my foot in it in front of the biggest names in the music industry."

On the two previous occasions he has hosted the show, Whitehall has received mixed reactions from viewers.

The Brit Awards

This year, the comedian sparked a number of complaints after he made a joke involving Little Mix and scatter cushions.

The jibe did not go down well with viewers who branded the comments “disgusting” and “disrespectful" and Ofcom said it received 25 official complaints about the remark.

The Brit Awards: Most Memorable Moments - In pictures

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The 2020 Brits nominees will be announced in due course but it's already been confirmed that a series of exciting changes are being introduced.

Creative control will be handed over to the artists for their performances and there will be more live music and less awards.

The prizes for best British video and best international group have been axed, while the outstanding contribution award will not feature in the 2020 ceremony.

On Wednesday, bosses for the show announced the shortlist for the rising star award.

Singer-songwriter Beabadoobee, soul singer Celeste and jazz artist Joy Crookes are all nominated for the prestigious prize, which was formerly known as the critics’ choice prize.

Previous winners include Adele, Sam Smith and current holder Sam Fender.

It's not just the name of the accolade that has changed as next year the winner will, for the first time, receive a performance slot on the main show.

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