The BRIT Awards with Mastercard has rebranded its official podcast with a fresh format and a new host.
Following three successful series since launching in 2022, the podcast now called The Red Carpet Treatment – On The Road presented by Mastercard, moves into its fourth season with Luke Hamnett. The Instagram and TikTok creator, takes over presenting duties from Jordan Stephens of Rizzle Kicks.
This year, the interviews will take place in the back of a VIP car, as Hamnett chats with music stars about their careers, current projects and their BRITs experiences while quite literally on the move.
Hamnett admitted he relished the chance to front the show: “Working with The BRITs is genuinely such a dream … and this Red Carpet Series is actually iconic – if I do say so myself,” he said. “Meeting these incredible artists, casually in the back of a car, whilst driving around was such a fun experience.
“Obviously, because I’m nosey, we got a bit cheeky. We played games, had a right laugh and most importantly, I sang to them all and I’m still awaiting my record deal. Simon Cowell, if you’re reading this, hit me up!”
The first episode, released today, features BRIT-nominated singer-songwriter Sam Ryder. The musician, who rose to prominence after his 2022 debut single Space Man became a runaway success, opened up to Hamnett about his extraordinary journey, from playing weddings in Essex to headlining Wembley Arena.
Ryder admitted that when it comes to his trademark hair, there is little routine: “I was in a multi-storey car park five minutes ago spraying hairspray as prep. I sleep with it fresh out of the shower, wet. I had no idea there was a difference between shampoo and conditioner.”
He also recalled some unlikely past jobs, including carpentry, owning a juice bar and singing at weddings, where dramas often unfolded.
“Because it’s a wedding, people couldn’t care less about you and your band. I’ve seen fistfights, I’ve seen waiters stealing alcohol, I’ve seen it all,” he recalled.
On playing Wembley Arena, Ryder confessed he still finds it hard to believe: “If you would have asked me when I was 13 years old, I’d be like ‘yeah of course’. But if you ask me now, I still can’t believe it.
“That deluded confidence you have when you’re young is crucial when you pick up a guitar for the first time.”
Amusingly, he revealed a family connection to the venue itself: “I did help build Wembley Stadium with my dad, but I hung the doors awfully, so I don’t think they’d allow me back anyway,” he joked.
Ryder also spoke about his BRIT Award nominations, saying that his second felt more enjoyable than his first.
“The first time, you take it so seriously. And then you don’t win. The next time, I knew we had no chance, so I actually had a way better time.”
He added that if he could collaborate with any 2025 BRIT nominee, he would choose Adrianne Lenker, praising her as “one of the best lyricists around at the moment”.
New episodes of The Red Carpet Treatment – On The Road presented by Mastercard will be released every Wednesday until 26 November.
Upcoming guests include Charley Marlowe, Katy B, Nova Twins, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Aston Merrygold and Sigrid.
