Nick Mohammed Announced as 2026 Olivier Awards Host

The Olivier Awards have announced that actor, comedian and writer Nick Mohammed will host the 2026 ceremony, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the prestigious event celebrating the best of London theatre. The awards, presented in partnership with Cunard, will take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday 12 April and will be broadcast on BBC television and radio.

Mohammed is widely known to international audiences for his Emmy-nominated performance as Nate Shelley in the hit television series TED LASSO. Across three seasons of the acclaimed comedy, his character evolved from a shy kit man to a complex antagonist, earning Mohammed global recognition and multiple award nominations. Beyond TED LASSO Lasso, he has built a diverse career across television, film, writing and live performance.

His screen credits include appearances in the espionage drama SLOW HORSES and the comedy series INTELLIGENCE, which he also created, wrote and executive produced. As a performer, he has demonstrated a distinctive ability to blend sharp comedic timing with nuanced character work, qualities that have helped establish him as one of the UK’s most versatile comedic talents.

In addition to his television work, Mohammed has maintained a strong presence on stage. He has performed his live comedy shows in the West End and on tour throughout the United Kingdom, showcasing a mix of stand-up, storytelling and character comedy. He is currently touring his stage show, SHOW PONY, continuing a long tradition of blending theatrical performance with comedic invention.

More recently, Mohammed reached an even broader audience through his appearance on the BBC reality competition series CELEBRITY TRAITORS, where he progressed to the final and became a fan favourite. The appearance introduced him to a new generation of viewers while reaffirming his reputation as an entertainer with quick wit and engaging stage presence.

Speaking about the announcement, Mohammed said hosting the Olivier Awards during its milestone anniversary year is a remarkable honour.

To host the Oliviers in its 50th year is not only a dream come true but an absolute honour and privilege, he said. 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.

The performer added that while he intends to remain mostly behind the scenes during the evening’s musical numbers, audiences should not be surprised if he gets caught up in the excitement of the night.

While I will try to remain in the wings during these, I can’t promise I won’t be singing along in full voice, he joked, adding with a nod to one of his past comedic performances, But at least I won’t be on roller-skates this time.

The Olivier Awards, first established in 1976, are widely regarded as the highest honours in British theatre. Named after legendary actor Sir Laurence Olivier, the awards recognise excellence across London’s theatre scene, celebrating achievements in plays, musicals, opera and dance.

Each year the ceremony brings together performers, creatives and industry leaders to celebrate the breadth and diversity of work presented across the West End and beyond. Nominees are selected by panels made up of theatre professionals, industry experts and members of the public who regularly attend productions across London’s venues.

The Royal Albert Hall has become the traditional home of the ceremony in recent years, offering a grand stage for the evening’s performances, presentations and celebrations. The event typically features live musical numbers from nominated shows alongside appearances by leading stars of stage and screen.

Mohammed follows a line of high-profile hosts who have guided audiences through theatre’s biggest night in the UK. Previous presenters have included performers such as Hannah Waddingham, Beverley Knight and Billy Porter, each bringing their own distinctive style to the ceremony.

The 2026 edition is expected to be particularly special as the awards celebrate half a century since their inception. Over the past five decades the Oliviers have honoured many of the most significant productions and artists in modern theatre, highlighting the continued cultural importance of London’s stage industry.

Nominations for the 2026 awards will be announced shortly, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely contested year across many categories. From new plays and musical premieres to revivals of classic works, the ceremony will showcase the achievements of the past theatre season while highlighting emerging talent alongside established stars.

As the host, Mohammed will guide audiences through the evening’s celebrations, introducing performances, presenting awards and helping to capture the spirit of an industry that continues to evolve while maintaining its deep theatrical traditions.

With his background in both comedy and performance, organisers are confident Mohammed will bring humour, warmth and theatrical flair to the ceremony.

The 2026 Olivier Awards will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 12 April, with broadcast highlights available the same evening on the BBC

As the awards mark their 50th anniversary, the evening promises to celebrate not only the achievements of the past year in theatre, but also the enduring power of live performance to inspire audiences across generations.