Jack Whitehall was given the thumbs up on Tuesday night while targeting a host of high-profile celebrities during his latest stint as host at the annual BRIT Awards.
Nothing was off-limits at the socially distanced event as Whitehall took aim at Rita Ora’s rule-breaking lockdown party, Olly Murs’ popularity and Taylor Swift and Kanye West’s ongoing feud during a memorable night at the O2.
Somewhat inevitably, Little Mix also found themselves in the firing line as the comedian, 32, joked about Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards’ recent pregnancy announcements.
Divided: Jack Whitehall received a mixed response on Tuesday night as fans reacted to his latest stint as host at the annual BRIT Awards
Introducing the band – who won the award for Best British Group – he quipped: ‘What do you do to pass the time during lockdown?’
The comedian later referenced Leigh-Anne and Perrie’s pregnancy announcements, which came just days apart, adding: ‘These girls are so in sync they can even harmonise their pregnancies.’
Whitehall had previously targeted Jade Thirlwall – the only band-member who isn’t expecting a baby – while singing a playful version of sea shanty The Wellerman with Scottish TikTok personality Nathan Evans.
Doctoring the lyrics to the song – a viral hit during lockdown – he sung: ‘Soon may the Little Mix come, babies popping one by one. They still looking they’re having fun, Jade’s drinking for all three.’
Here we go: Little Mix also found themselves in the firing line as the comedian, 32, joked about Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards ‘ recent pregnancy announcements
Hilarious: The singers saw the funny side as Whitehall playfully asked them how they had passed the time during lockdown
Well done: Many viewers praised the comedian for his quick wit while watching the socially distanced show as it took place at London’s O2
In the firing line: Nothing was off-limits at the socially distanced event as Whitehall took aim at a host of celebrities during a memorable night at the O2
There was a further reference to Rita Ora in the altered lyrics, with the singer’s rule-breaking 30th birthday party coming back to haunt her despite being thousands of miles away in Australia while she films The Voice.
Taking aim at the star, he added: ‘Tay-Tay, Pink and a whole lot more – a party fit for Rita Ora.’
Making light of the socially distanced event, which was attended by NHS workers, he later joked: ‘It’s been a tough year, Covid’s had more comebacks than Craig David but this evening we look forward to a brighter future.
‘To ensure a reduced capacity we billed this as a Niall Horan gig.’
Banter: Olly Muts was among those targeted b y Whitehall on Tuesday evening
My turn: Global Icon winner Taylor Swift’s back catalogue dispute and ongoing feud with Kanye West was also highlighted by Whitehall
Referencing the divisive Laurence Fox’s ‘tragic foray into politics”, he quipped that “at least he finally stopped making music.”
Tiger Woods’ recent driving ban for being under the influence while behind the wheel of a car was also played for laughs as Whitehall introduced Olivia Rodrigo to the stage.
‘In the words of Tiger Woods: driver’s license, take it away…’ he joked as she prepared for her performance.
Elsewhere Celebs Go Dating star Wayne Lineker’s admission that he only dates younger women was played for laughs, with the 58-year old referenced during another monologue.
Addressing the camera, Whitehall quipped: #’Here at the BRITS we’re all about appealing to a younger demographic. Like Wayne Lineker’s Tinder profile we’re not interested in anyone who’s old enough to remember Chumbawumba.’
Funny: The comedian took aim at Little Mix and Rita Ora while performing a doctored version of The Wellerman with Nathan Evans
Taylor Swift also found herself at the mercy of Whitehall, who mocked the singer for re-recording a selection of her albums after her record label sold off her back catalogue.
‘I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the undisputed Queen of Pop is in attendance,’; he announced. ‘She’s been ripped off more times than Colin the Caterpiller, but she’s come out swinging.
‘If she doesn’t win tonight she’ll probably just re-record the whole show to make sure that she does… Taylor Swift will be with us later.’
Swift went on to win the coveted Global Icon award, with Whitehall using the opportunity to suggest she pass the miniature version of her gong to Kanye West – a reference to his notorious stage invasion at the 2009 MTV Video Awards.