Jack Whitehall Mocks ITV 'Cancel Culture' in Opening Monologue at BRIT Awards 2025

Jack Whitehall Mocks ITV 'Cancel Culture' in Opening Monologue at BRIT Awards 2025 Amid Gino D'Acampo 'Misconduct' Controversy

Jack Whitehall wasted no time in taking a cheeky dig at ITV and its recent controversies just moments into his opening monologue at the 2025 BRIT Awards.

Returning to host the prestigious ceremony after several years (having presented from 2018 to 2021), Whitehall’s humor was as sharp as ever as the show aired live on ITV.

The comedian poked fun at ITV's recent string of high-profile presenter departures, particularly Gino D'Acampo and Phillip Schofield, who have both been embroiled in controversies that have rocked the network.

In his opening remarks, Whitehall quipped: "ITV had so many of its presenters cancelled this year, they had to come crawling back to an ex." The remark was a clear jab at the series of scandals that have plagued the channel in recent years, including Schofield’s resignation in 2023 after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague.

Whitehall also referenced the recent controversy surrounding chef Gino D'Acampo, whose shows were pulled from ITV’s schedule in February following allegations of “sexually inappropriate behavior,” which he denies.

Continuing his opening monologue, Whitehall couldn't resist mocking the commercial nature of the awards show itself, adding: “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.”

Whitehall also took the opportunity to tease some of the stars in the audience, starting with rapper Stormzy, who was nominated for two BRIT Awards. “In the 90s, you’d find your rappers doing drive-bys, but this one you'll find at the drive-thru,” Whitehall joked, referencing Stormzy's recent partnership with McDonald’s. "We didn’t send him a limo tonight, we Deliverood him here. It's Stormzy."

The comedian also riffed on Coldplay’s nominations, calling their music “a warm bath” and describing their songs as "a big old bowl of soggy Weetabix"—a sharp critique of the band’s sound. Whitehall continued, “If there was a level below lemon and herb, they would be it,” before sarcastically adding, “Nominated again tonight, it's public school Nickelback - Coldplay.”

Though Whitehall’s remarks were playful and comedic, they clearly struck a chord with the audience, with a mix of chuckles and gasps filling the O2 Arena.