Maya Jama steals the show in a white sequin gown as she joins Olivia Dean and Harry Styles on the BRIT Awards red carpet as the biggest night in music makes its Manchester debut

Maya Jama steals the show in a white sequin gown as she joins Olivia Dean and Harry Styles on the BRIT Awards red carpet as the biggest night in music makes its Manchester debut
By: dailymail Posted On: February 28, 2026 View: 40

Stars of the showbiz world hit the red carpet on Saturday as the BRITS came to Manchester for the first time. 

Maya Jama led the glamour as she joined pop's finest Olivia Dean and Harry Styles for the biggest night in music at the city's Co-op Live. 

Channeling her inner Marilyn Monroe, the Love Island host, 31, stunned in a slinky white sequin gown which showcased her ample cleavage and hourglass frame. 

After landing five nominations, Olivia Dean, 26, made her grand entrance in a stunning Loewe yellow floral dress.

Dressed in a Chanel pinstripe suit, Harry Styles, 32, made his first red carpet appearance in three years. 

The One Direction star is set to make a major return to the stage with a performance to coincide with his album release next week. 

Maya Jama stole the show in a white sequin gown as she led the glamour on the BRIT Awards red carpet in Manchester on Saturday evening
After landing five nominations, Olivia Dean made her grand entrance in a stunning yellow floral dress from designer Loewe
Harry Styles showed off his style in a pinstripe suit from Chanel which he teamed with ballet flats and a grey tie

Rosalia caught the eye in a dramatic feathered matching top and skirt from Chanel, while Mabel, 30, cut a glamorous figure in an ethereal teal frilled dress. 

Sharon Osbourne, 73, and her daughter Kelly, 41, put on a united display as they prepared to accept an honour in memory of Ozzy

The former X Factor judge, 73, spoke ahead of the late rocker's posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.    

As son Jack prepares to welcome his fifth child, second with wife Aree Gearhart, Sharon said of being a grandmother: 'Oh it's the best, its the whole reason to keep going, to put a smile on your face'.

Kelly, 41, and Sharon both wore sweet tributes to the late rocker on their black outfits. 

Sharon showed off a bat shaped broach on her lapel saying: 'It's a pin [he] always wore', while Kelly wore a crucifix which was also owned by Ozzy.

Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy died in July last year aged 76 just two weeks after performing a farewell concert with his bandmates at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham.

Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field packed on the PDA before the singer joined Sharon and Kelly for a photo. 

The Rock DJ hitmaker, 52, will lead a special dedicated performance to Ozzy, following his death last year.  

Channeling her inner Marilyn Monroe, the Love Island host stunned in a slinky white sequin gown which showcased her ample cleavage and hourglass frame
Maya draped a cream furry stole over her arms as she posed up a storm for the cameras
Rosalia ensured all eyes were on her as she graced the red carpet in a dramatic black and cream feathered co-ord from Chanel
The singer beamed as she showed off the statement crop top and voluminous skirt
Mabel stunned in an ethereal team frilled gown as she posed on the red carpet
Mabel showed off her dress as she twirled for the camera
Sharon Osbourne and her daughter Kelly put on a united display as they arrived to accept the honour in memory of Ozzy
Kelly wore a black dress and feathered stole
The awards will be closed out by an all-star rock tribute performance which will be led by Robbie Williams (pictured with Kelly and Sharon)
The singer was supported by his glamorous wife Ayda Field on the black carpet and the pair couldn't resist packing on the PDA
Robbie was in entertainer mode as he posed in his statement suit
Jade Thirlwall and boyfriend Jordan Stephens hit the red carpet together
The singer wore a custom off-white patterned coat dress
Lola Young, who is up for five awards, showed off her style as she took to the red carpet  in a strapless khaki top and blue snakeskin print trousers
Newly-single Olivia Attwood put on a brave face following the breakdown of her marriage to footballer Bradley Dack
Ashley Roberts put on a daring display in an electric blue chiffon gown which featured a thigh-high slit and a cut out section just below the bust
The Heart Radio presenter, who is reportedly reuniting with The Pussycat Dolls for a 2026 world tour, showed off the backless dress as she twirled for the camera
Davina McCall put on a loved-up display with her hairdresser husband Michael Douglas
The presenter, 58, showed off her age-defying figure in a black and nude minidress
Sian Welby put on a leggy display in an autumnal corset dress
Ferne McCann hit the red carpet
Vogue Williams rocked a neon satin halterneck polka dot dress to the ceremony
The Irish presenter, 40, smiled as she strutted down the black carpet in her heels
Sophie Habboo looked incredible as she went braless in a plunging black dress
GK Barry was dressed to impress in a shimmering black gown which was adorned with floral detailing
Sophie showed off her long legs as she strutted down the black carpet
The television personality posed with husband Jamie Laing,37. Speaking to Daily Mail, Jamie poked fun at his eye-catching outfit, which included a tank top and sunglasse
Fleur East opted for a brown satin co-ord with white collar and sleeve detailing
EastEnders actress Molly Rainford opted for red co-ord and leather evening gloves
Shona McGarty was dripping in silver chains
Gemma Atkinson, 41, opted for a smart white shirt and high-waisted black trousers
Aj Odudu, 38, wowed in a silver bra and long black skirt which showcased her toned physique
Jaime Winstone brought the drama in an embellished coat with furry trim
BRITs host Jack Whitehall was joined by his fiancée Roxy Horner
Roxy showed off her model figure in a beaded minidress which had plenty of volume
Calvin Harris and his wife Vick Hope also made the trip to Manchester for the ceremony
Vick, 36, looked gorgeous in a navy minidress and fluffy pompom shoes
Noel Gallagher has been honoured as Songwriter of the Year
Skepta is up for Song Of The Year
Aitch looked cheery
Hannah Cooper-Dommett cradled her baby bump as she hit the red carpet with her husband Joel
Singer and The Traitors star Cat Burns rocked a blue co-ord

Meanwhile, Jamie Laing joked he's entered his 'midlife crisis era' since becoming a first-time father. 

The former Made In Chelsea star and wife Sophie Habboo enjoyed a break from parenting duties as they hit the red carpet. 

The couple welcomed their first child together, son Ziggy, in December, and said that their baby boy has already started 'smiling and laughing.'

Speaking to Daily Mail, Jamie poked fun at his eye-catching outfit, which included a tank top and sunglasses, while Sophie arrived in a plunging black thigh-split gown.

The Made In Chelsea star also reflected on the 'pressure' to bounce back after giving birth, saying she simply wanted to go for something 'fun' with her outfit.

Reflecting on her first few weeks as a mum, Sophie said: 'Everything! He's now smiling and laughing and he just looks at me and smiles and I go ''you make my world go round!'' which is the best.'

Jamie added: 'It's just the coolest thing ever, I have a little baby that I just love more than anything, it's the best thing ever.'

Sophie then shared there can be 'pressure' to bounce back so soon after becoming a mum, saying: 'I think there's always pressure to look and feel your best, but I just think it's so fun this evening so I just wanted to go for something fun, he's got his sunglasses on!'

'I've gone for a tank top, I've never worn a tank top ever, and sunglasses,' Jamie laughed,' with his wife agreeing: 'Jamie in his dad era is really bringing it, he's restyled himself.'

'This is my midlife crisis era, and I'm going to dress like this forever now. I'm the better parent, I am by far the better parent, no I think she's the better parent,' Jamie said.

A host of TV and radio personalities also arrived for the biggest night in music. 

Capital Radio host Sian Welby, 39, put on a leggy display in a rust coloured mini dress which featured a strapless corset bodice and ruffled skirt. 

Adding inches to her frame with a pair of platform champagne coloured heels, the presenter beamed as she accessorised with a chunky pearl necklace. 

Amber Gill put on a sizzling display in a plunging  black PVC minidress as she led the Love Island stars attending the ceremony
Love Island star Molly Marsh channelled her inner Kylie Minogue in a hooded champagne gown
Toni Laites opted for a ballerina inspired look
Montana Brown shimmered in a slinky mesh dress which showcased her slender figure
Kaz Crossley, 31, who starred in the 2018 series, was also amongst the reality star attendees and put on a busty display in a purple dress
Ella Thomas turned heads in a figure-hugging white halterneck gown
Selling Sunset's Bre Triesi showed off plenty of cleavage as she went braless in a sheer black gown

A host of TV and radio personalities also arrived for the biggest night in music. 

Capital Radio host Sian Welby, 39, put on a leggy display in a rust coloured mini dress which featured a strapless corset bodice and ruffled skirt. 

Adding inches to her frame with a pair of platform champagne coloured heels, the presenter beamed as she accessorised with a chunky pearl necklace. 

Meanwhile Ferne McCann wowed in a figure-hugging black strapless dress with gold detailing and black mesh gloves.

Fleur East, meanwhile, opted for a brown satin co-ord with white collar and sleeve detailing. 

Showcasing her cleavage in the top, the singer paired the look with sparkly silver platform heels. 

Ashley Roberts put on a daring display in an electric blue chiffon gown which featured a thigh-high slit and a cut out section just below the bust. 

GK Barry was dressed to impress in a shimmering black gown which was adorned with floral detailing. 

Love Island stars also headed to the arena. Molly Marsh channelled her inner Kylie Minogue in a hooded champagne gown, reminiscent of the singer's iconic look from her 2001 Can't Get You Out Of My Head music video. 

And Molly revealed to the Daily Mail she's the 'happiest she's ever been' as her ex-boyfriend Zachariah Noble prepares to welcome his first child. 

Earlier this month Zachariah shared that he's set to become a father with his girlfriend Ava Hirons, after they began dating just three months after he and Molly split in July.

Despite her ex's announcement, Molly has told Daily Mail she's in a 'really good place,' as she graced the red carpet at the 2026 BRIT Awards.

She said: 'Really good you know, I think I'm the happiest I've ever been, so I'm in a really good place at the moment.'

Sharing her plans for the rest of the year, the star added: 'I would say, strength within myself mentally and physically and making my friends and family happy.'

2025 winner Toni Laites opted for a ballerina inspired look, wearing a pink frilly dress with corset detailing and sheer tights. 

TV personality Amber Gill, 28, turned heads in a PVC minidress, while Ella Thomas, 25, went braless in a backless gown and Montana  Brown, 30, dazzled in sequins. 
Heather Bowling opted for a pink number with buckle detailing and matching satin gloves
Radio presenter Harriet Scott, 54, opted for a black dress with frills and sheer cut out sections on the skirt
Tallia Storm made a bold statement as she showed off her ample cleavage in a print jumpsuit
Kara Marni left little to the imagination in her red cut out gown
Singer-songwriter Alex Warren hit the carpet ahead of the ceremony
Ms Banks showed off her figure in a cut out dress
Bebe Rexha displayed her curves in a black gown
Rachel Chinouriri showed off her figure in a skimpy turquoise PVC dress
Putting on a racy display, Ravyn Lenae quite literally left nothing to the imagination as she flashed her nipples on the carpet in her racy number that featured a long train
Ash Holme's certainly put on an eye-popping display with her number, with the train consiting of ripped netting
Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka Self Esteem looked elegant in a strapless black velvet dress
Rhian Teasdale raised eyebrows with her look as she sported bloody knees
Firouzeh Razavi, Bez and Shaun Ryder (L-R) appeared in high spirits as they hit the red carpet
Maddie Borge caught the eye in a shimmering gold dress for the ceremony
Nikki Lily opted for a polka dot dress and heels for the glittering awards show
Damian Hurley showed of his model looks as he went shirtless in a black leather two-piece suit
Rose Gray stood out in a multi-layered pale blue dress that had an asymetric hemline
Luke Littler and his girlfriend Faith Millar, both 19, put on a loved-up display as they posed for a photo
CMAT sported a statement blue tartan look
RuPaul's Drag Race star Marmalade made sure all eyes were on her in an extravagant silver tasseled dress with bizarre headpiece
Sam Thompson beamed on the red carpet, despite undergoing throat surgery recently
Pete Wicks looked dapper in a white blazer and teased a glimpse of his many tattoos by wearing his white shirt partially undone
The pals were in high spirits as they posed for snaps on the red carpet together
Marvin humes opted for a leather look for the night
Wicked star Jeff Goldblum was also at the ceremony
Big Brother host Will Best posed for a photo ahead of the ceremony
New parents Sophie and Jamie Laing were pictured leaving their hotel
Former Made In Chelsea star Sophie, who welcomed son Ziggy with Jamie in December, looked incredible in a plunging black gown
Sophie and Jamie flashed a smile to the cameras as they headed to their car to go to the arena
Roxy gave a wave as she left her hotel in her pearl minidress ready to support Jack as he returned as host
Social media star Luke Hamnett was dressed in a fun chocolate brown leather suit
Author Sophie Richards opted for a stylish black velvet gown
Content creator Bea Elton posed up a storm in a black strapless gown
Charley Marlowe hosted the red carpet alongside Tyler West, and she was among the first to make her arrival

The 46th edition of the BRIT Awards launch at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena for the first time.

Since removing gendered categories, such as Best Male and Best Female, the ceremony has faced backlash for the low number of female artists nominated, particularly in 2023 when the Artist Of The Year shortlist was entirely male. 

But 2026 will ring in the changes, with 70 percent of this year's nominations being female or non-binary.

Lola Young and Olivia Dean lead the nominations with five each, closely followed by comeback queen Lily Allen, who has been recognised in three categories for her critically acclaimed fifth album, West End Girl.

The singer, 40, used the album to chronicle the collapse of her marriage to Stranger Things star David Harbour and his alleged infidelities while they were together.

She will go up against both Young and Dean for Artist Of The Year at the ceremony, while also competing for Album Of The Year and Pop Act.

Lola is also up for Breakthrough Artist and Alternative/Rock Act, but it is unknown if she will attend the ceremony.

Following the announcement, she said: 'Five BRIT nominations, how is this even possible? I've had this dream a thousand times, so I'm slightly convinced that my alarm clock is about to wake me up.   

'Seriously, this means so much to me. I am so grateful for this moment and to be nominated alongside the incredible other nominees.'

Olivia, 26, became the first woman to claim the UK's No 1 single and album in the same week since Adele in 2021, with her song Man I Need and album The Art Of Loving, both released in 2025. 

She has been nominated in five categories and will be performing at the Award ceremony.

'To go from being a student of The BRIT School in the crowd to being a performer 10 years later is really crazy, and I'm so excited to see everyone in Manchester,' the singer shared in January.

Elsewhere, British rapper Dave has been recognised in three categories: Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year, and Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act.

The 27-year-old released his third studio album, The Boy Who Played The Harp, in 2025 and has since become the first British rap artist to debut three albums at number one in the UK's official chart.

Raye has been recognised in just one category this year, after scooping a record-breaking six awards last year.

The singer, 28, scooped the first gong presented on the night, Song of the Year for her hit Escapism ft 070 Shake, shortly before also taking home the R&B Act gong and Best New Artist. 

She currently holds the record for the most BRIT Awards won at a single ceremony, a record which previously stood at four, jointly held by Blur in 1995, Adele in 2016, and Harry Styles in 2023. 

Raye has also been announced as the final act to perform at this year's BRIT Awards.

The singer, whose real name is Rachel Keen, will take to the stage during the star-studded show. 

Speaking ahead of her performance, Raye said: 'We are so grateful to the BRIT Awards for having us back on their stage. Me and the band are very excited. Lots of love, Raye.' 

British icons Pulp have received their first nomination for Group of the Year since 1996.

Hollywood is also well represented in this year's nominations, as Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters group HUNTR/X are nominated for International Song of the Year with Golden, and are shortlisted for International Group.

Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo has secured her first nomination with her rendition of Wicked's Defying Gravity in contention for Song of the Year with Mastercard.

Other international stars up for awards include Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan.

The BRIT Awards have been held annually at London's O2 Arena since 2011, but the Daily Mail revealed that the annual showpiece, regarded as the biggest night in British music, will be held in Manchester this year and is likely to move around the UK in different locations for the foreseeable future.

Comedian Jack Whitehall returns to present the ceremony for the sixth time, having previously hosted the event in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025.

He stepped away in 2022 when Mo Gilligan took over for two ceremonies, and Maya Jama, Roman Kemp, and Clara Amfo co-hosted the event together in 2024.

It will be his first time presenting in Manchester, and Whitehall, 38, credits the city as shaping his early comedy career after he studied at The University Of Manchester. 

In a recent clip shared to social media titled Ode to Manchester, the TV personality showed off everything from the Curry Mile to Coronation Street

He said: 'I am so excited to be coming back for this very special BRIT Awards in Manchester, a place that is so important to me. 

'The city I started my comedy career in, it feels like a real full circle moment returning to host this historic night at the Co-op Live, a venue that is only a stone’s throw away from the comedy club I did my first 10 minute set in all those years ago.'

He added: 'Hopefully I get a few more laughs than I did that night. I cannot wait.'

The late Ozzy Osbourne will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The frontman of Black Sabbath, who passed away in July last year, will be celebrated for his inimitable impact and influence on music worldwide.

The awards will be closed out by an all-star rock tribute performance which will be led by Robbie Williams, who was asked to be a part of the show personally by Ozzy's wife Sharon as a long-standing fan of the music, and friend of the Osbourne family.

Curated by Sharon herself, it will feature a special arrangement of No More Tears - the title track from Ozzy’s multi-million selling 1991 album of the same name.

The segment will boast a phenomenal line up of British and international musical talent, featuring musicians that played as part of Ozzy’s band over the years.

Robbie will be joined on stage by Ozzy's lead guitarist Zakk Wylde as well as Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo and Tommy Clufetos.

As well as being one of the most influential music figureheads and rock icons of all time, Ozzy hosted The BRIT Awards in 2008 along with his family Sharon, Kelly and Jack.

Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: 'Ozzy Osbourne has been a mighty force in modern music. 

'Possessing an unmistakable voice and unique presence, he reshaped the sound and spirit of rock, inspiring generations of artists who followed.

'This Lifetime Achievement Award recognises a remarkable legacy built on originality and enduring influence, that continues to connect with fans worldwide.'

Ozzy passed away aged 76 at his Buckinghamshire home on July 22 after suffering an 'acute myocardial infarction' and 'out of hospital cardiac arrest'.

The 2026 event will be the first of three years under the stewardship of Sony Music UK, who spearheaded the move to Manchester.

Past venues include Earl's Court, the London Arena, Alexandra Palace, Hammersmith Apollo, the Dominion Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, the Grosvenor Hotel and its original location, Wembley Conference Centre.

But the move away from the capital signals another new era in the ceremony's history, arguably the most seismic.

A source told the Daily Mail: 'It's officially the end of an era. The BRIT Awards has been hosted in London since the ceremony first took place in 1977 and now for the first time ever, it will be held outside of the capital.

'Obviously, it's going to come as sad news to artists and talent who are London-based but there's a feeling within the music industry that these shows don't always need to be held at the same venues, year after year.

'The BRITs is the biggest night in the British music calendar and now it will be shared with a new audience, as fans from Manchester and the surrounding areas are more likely to attend.

'In recent years, there has been a general appetite for the ceremony to move, as with the The Mercury Prize and The MOBO Awards and now for the first time the music scene won't be as London-centric, both for the nominees and fans.'

BRIT Awards 2026: WINNERS

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Dave

Fred Again... 

JADE

Lily Allen

Little Simz

Lola Young

Olivia Dean - WINNER

PinkPantheress

Sam Fender

Self Esteem

GROUP OF THE YEAR

The Last Dinner Party 

Pulp 

Sleep Token 

Wet Leg

Wolf Alice - WINNER

SONG OF THE YEAR (VOTED FOR BY THE PUBLIC)

Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas – Blessings

Chrystal and Notion – The Days (Notion remix)

Cynthia Erivo ft Ariana Grande – Defying Gravity

Ed Sheeran – Azizam

Fred Again, Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap

Lewis Capaldi – Survive

Lola Young – Messy

Myles Smith – Nice to Meet You

Olivia Dean – Man I Need

Raye – Where Is My Husband!

Sam Fender with Olivia Dean – Rein Me In - WINNER

Skye Newman – Family Matters

INTERNATIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR (VOTED FOR BY THE PUBLIC) 

Alex Warren – Ordinary

Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club

Disco Lines and Tinashe – No Broke Boys

Gigi Perez – Sailor Song

Gracie Abrams – That’s So True

Huntr/x – Golden

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile

Rayvn Lenae – Love Me Not

Rosé and Bruno Mars – APT - WINNER

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

sombr – Undressed

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Noel Gallagher - WINNER

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC 

Mark Ronson - WINNER

 

 

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 

Bad Bunny

Chappell Roan

CMAT

Doechii

Lady Gaga

ROSALIA - WINNER

Sabrina Carpenter

sombre

Taylor Swift 

Tyler, The Creator

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST

Barry Can't Swim 

EsDeeKid

Jim Legxacy

Lola Young - WINNER

Skye Newman

INTERNATIONAL GROUP OF THE YEAR 

Geese - WINNER

HAIM 

HUNTR/X-EJAE/AUDREY NUNA/REI AMI

ALTERNATIVE ROCK ACT  

Blood Orange

Lola Young

Sam Fender - WINNER

Wet Leg

Wolf Alice

HIP HOP/GRIME/RAP ACT

Central Cee

Dave - WINNER

Jim Legxacy

Little Simz

Loyle Carner

R&B ACT 

Jim Legxacy

Kwn

Mabel

Sasha Keable

Sault - WINNER

DANCE ACT

Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas

FKA twigs

Fred Again, Skepta, PlaqueBoyMax - WINNER

PinkPantheress

Sammy Virji

MASTERCARD ALBUM OF THE YEAR 

Dave - The Boy Who Played The Harp

Lily Allen - West End Girl 

Olivia Dean - The Art Of Loving - WINNER 

Sam Fender - People Watching

Wolf Alice - The Clearing 

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