Jack Whitehall made a savage dig at "cancelled ITV presenters" just moments into his opening monologue at the 2025 Brit Awards.
The comedian returned to host the prestigious music ceremony on Saturday night, having previously presented the awards from 2018 to 2021.
Whitehall, 36, wasted no time in delivering his signature brand of humour as the show aired live on ITV.
His cheeky remarks targeted the very network broadcasting the event, as well as several high-profile celebrities in attendance.
Brit Awards 2025: Jack Whitehall delivered several digs in his opening monologue
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Opening his monologue, Whitehall took direct aim at ITV's recent controversies with presenters, with the likes of Gino D'Acampo and Phillip Schofield just two big names who've departed the channel in recent years.
Whitehall joked during his opening gambit: "ITV had so many of its presenters cancelled this year they had to come crawling back to an ex."
The joke was clearly a reference to the aforementioned several high-profile departures from the network in recent years.
In 2023, This Morning presenter Schofield resigned from ITV after admitting to an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a younger male colleague.
Gino D'Acampo has been accused of "sexually inappropriate behaviour"
PAMore recently, in February, re-runs of D'Acampo's shows were pulled from the ITV schedule following allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which the chef denies.
Whitehall continued his opening by mocking the commercial nature of the event itself.
"It's the night of the year that we celebrate artistic integrity by throwing a party paid for by a credit card company in an arena sponsored by a phone network on a channel that brought you Tipping Point," he jibed.
Whitehall then turned his attention to rapper Stormzy, who was nominated for two Brit Awards.
"In the 90s you'd find your rappers doing drive bys, this one you'll find at the drive thru," he joked, referencing Stormzy's recent campaign with McDonald's.
The comedian continued: "We didn't send him a limo tonight, we Deliverood him here. It's Stormzy."
"The grime scenes Ronald McDonald, he's loving it," Whitehall added, mimicking the fast-food chain's famous slogan.
Whitehall's joke alluded to controversy surrounding the partnership, as McDonald's faced criticism in 2023 when McDonald's Israel announced it was providing free meals to Israeli soldiers.
Stormzy had previously rejected speculation that he removed a pro-Palestine post on social media due to his work with the company.
Whitehall saved some of his sharpest barbs for Coldplay, who were nominated for group of the year and song of the year.
"We could also see history made this evening by a band nominated for a staggering 32nd time," he said.
The comedian described their music in unflattering terms, comparing it to comfort food.
"Their songs are like a warm bath, a big old bowl of soggy Weetabix, musical missionary position."
He continued his roast by adding: "If there was a level below lemon and herb they would be it."
Whitehall then acknowledged the band's massive success while delivering one final jab.
"And yet despite their staggering success, some people still seem to like taking cheap shots at them. Not my style," he said sarcastically. Nominated again tonight, it's public school Nickelback - Coldplay."
