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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Meet Yinka Bokinni: From documentary filmmaker to 2024 Brit Awards red carpet host

Radio and TV presenter Yinka Bokinni has carved a remarkable path in the entertainment industry since her debut on Capital Xtra in 2016.

Transitioning swiftly from hosting the station’s Breakfast Show to leading Radio 1's Early Breakfast Show, her trajectory has been nothing short of impressive.

Yet, it's not just her engaging on-air persona nor her work on shows such as Unapologetic or Naked Education that distinguishes her.

The South London born star’s venture into powerful documentaries, Damilola The Boy Next Door and How To Hire a Hitman, has firmly established her as one of Channel 4's most compelling factual filmmakers.

And now Bokinni is swapping the world of hard-hitting docs to host the Brits Red Carpet on ITV2 live from London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night.

While no stranger to awards coverage, having previously presented at The MOBOs, the 34-year-old said having the opportunity to front the star-studded awards coverage is a career “highlight”.

Bokinni will present the Brits red carpet with Jack Saunders (pictured) (PA Archive)

She told The Standard: “It’s the biggest night in music and to be at the forefront of that party is so exciting.

“This is my first year working with The Brits officially and to go from watching it at home to actually part of hosting!? Brilliant. I can’t wait to see how the chaos unfolds.”

And while she shared her excitement about meeting Kylie Minogue, she is looking forward to the potential chaos that could ensue between her and the celebrity attendees.

She said: “The thing with live TV is that it is the unexpected moments that make it so special.

“When things go exactly to plan, when you over plan, there’s little room for the sweet spot between chaos and a job well done. We’ve both been working long enough to handle the most unexpected situations! Famous last words…”

As well as hosting the red carpet, Bokinni will also lead the Brits after show coverage alongside her former BBC Radio 1 colleague Jack Saunders on ITVX – so are they crossing their fingers some debaucherous behaviour from guests?

“Oh, I do hope so!” Bokinni shared. “Everyone will be a little loose, the nerves from the stars will have dissolved and we will be right in the thick of it.

“Hopefully we catch some really special moments and a few naughty ones too. That’s what you want from an after party right?”

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