NICK MOHAMMED TO HOST 2026 OLIVIER AWARDS AS CEREMONY RETURNS TO THE BBC

The BBC has been named as the official broadcast partner of the 50th anniversary Olivier Awards, celebrating five decades of excellence in British theatre. The ceremony will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 12 April, with highlights to be broadcast on BBC TV and radio.

This year, the ceremony will return to its original broadcast home on the BBC, revisiting a historic relationship that began with the first televised Olivier Awards in 1981. Double Emmy-nominated actor, comedian and writer Nick Mohammed will host the Olivier Awards 2026.

Audiences can expect a celebration of the very best that London theatre has to offer, featuring award presentations and special performances from the stars of the stage. The ceremony will also highlight UK theatre’s role in nurturing creative talent, reconnecting with memorable award winners and nominees from across the decades, and the venues that shaped them.

Nick Mohammed said: “To host the Oliviers in its 50th year is not only a dream come true but an absolute honour and privilege. I love it not only for the breadth of theatrical talent it celebrates, but also for the extraordinary variety of live performances it showcases on the night itself. While I will try to remain in the wings during these, I can’t promise I won’t be singing along (in full voice). But at least I won’t be on roller-skates this time!”

Suzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV, says: “As the leading cultural broadcaster in the UK, BBC Arts is committed to sharing world-class performances from across the country. We are delighted to be the official broadcast partner for the 2026 Olivier Awards, bringing the magic of theatre into homes across the nation as part of a rich season of arts programming on the BBC.”

Kash Bennett, President of the Society of London Theatre, says: "I am thrilled that the Olivier Awards are working with the BBC for our 50th anniversary. This prestigious broadcast partnership enables us to shine a spotlight on the past fifty years of London theatre and the vitality of arts and culture.”

The BBC will also broadcast a special episode of Bargain Hunt, featuring a cast of previous Olivier Award nominated and winning contestants, and a look behind the scenes at an iconic West End theatre.

The Olivier Awards 2026 will be delivered in partnership with the Society of London Theatre and Penny Lane Entertainment. It was commissioned for BBC Arts by Suzy Klein. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Stephen James-Yeoman.