As the mortgage industry prepares to swap case discussions, criteria and rates for microphones, music and the spotlight, Mortgage’s Got Talent is taking shape – bringing together people from across the industry for an afternoon and evening of entertainment in support of some incredibly important causes.
And every good show needs a good host. Or, in this case, three.
Leading proceedings will be Mortgageforce managing director Kevin Duffy (main picture, left), joined by co-hosts Jonathan Stinton (main picture, right), head of intermediary relationships at Coventry Building Society and chair of IMLA and Gemma Bennett (main picture, middle), senior mortgage broker and wellbeing coordinator at The Mortgage Mum.
Between them, there’s plenty of mortgage industry experience but, perhaps more importantly for the task at hand, a healthy dose of humour, performance experience and willingness to get involved.
Ahead of the big event, Mortgage Soup caught up with Kevin, Gemma and Jonathan to find out why they said yes, what they’re most looking forward to – and whether the mortgage industry should be worried about giving any of them access to a microphone…
KEVIN DUFFY
MS: Who are you and what do you do in the mortgage industry?
MD of Mortgageforce and the industry’s worst drummer but foremost concert producer.
MS: Why are you hosting Mortgage’s Got Talent?
To help the homeless and those living with Motor Neurone Disease.
MS: What are you most looking forward to about the event?
Discovering the hidden talent within the mortgage industry and being astounded by it.
MS: What’s YOUR hidden talent?
I can do impressions of most of the industry’s leading lights, sometimes to their faces!
MS: Which role are you expecting to play as host: Ant or Dec?
The better looking and funnier one… whoever that is, I don’t watch them!
GEMMA BENNETT
MS: Who are you and what do you do in the mortgage industry?
I’m Gemma Bennett, senior mortgage broker and wellbeing coordinator at The Mortgage Mum. I’m passionate about people, our mortgage industry, wellbeing, the arts and bringing a bit of energy wherever I go – apparently enough energy that they’ve now given me a microphone… 😂🎤
MS: Why are you hosting Mortgage’s Got Talent?
It’s fun, it brings our industry together and, most importantly, we’re raising money for brilliant causes. If we can do some good while having a ridiculous amount of fun and being creative, I’m most definitely in! ❤️
MS: What are you most looking forward to about the event?
Seeing a completely different side to people I normally know in their mortgage-industry day jobs! And that slightly terrifying moment when someone walks on stage and you think… “Oh wow, they’re ACTUALLY really good!”
MS: What’s YOUR hidden talent?
Not particularly hidden if you know me! I’m professionally trained in musical theatre and improvised comedy, and I still perform for fun. So giving me access to a stage and a microphone may prove to be a questionable decision… 🎤
MS: Which role are you expecting to play as host: Ant or Dec?
Dec. Although maybe I’m actually Scarlett Moffatt in this instance? Ask me again 30 seconds after Jonathan and I get on stage!
JONATHAN STINTON
MS: Who are you and what do you do in the mortgage industry?
I’ve worked at Coventry Building Society for over 18 years and have spent much of my career building relationships across the intermediary mortgage market. My experience includes roles in business development and corporate account management, and today I’m head of intermediary relationships at Coventry Building Society.
My role involves fostering broker relationships, leading our corporate account management teams and overseeing our intermediary development telephone team at head office, alongside our team of regional managers and BDMs. In January 2026, I was also proud to become Chair of IMLA.
MS: Why are you hosting Mortgage’s Got Talent – and why is it important to you?
The mortgage industry is a group of truly collaborative, agile and ambitious people. Everyone is open to supporting others, and to be part of a hugely worthy cause is a privilege. Not only are the contestants fantastic mortgage professionals but, who knows, they could be even more talented performers!
MS: What are you most looking forward to about the event?
Meeting friends, old and new, getting to know people and seeing their talents outside of mortgages. I am looking forward to the entertainment but, more importantly, helping some very worthy charities and hopefully making a difference to others’ lives.
MS: What’s YOUR hidden talent?
Pass….
MS: Which role are you expecting to play as host: Ant or Dec?
Dec, as Kev is definitely the better looking of us!
THREE HOSTS. ONE STAGE. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
If their answers are anything to go by, deciding who gets to be Ant and who gets to be Dec could prove almost as competitive as the talent itself.
But behind the laughs is the reason Mortgage’s Got Talent exists: bringing the mortgage community together, showcasing a side of the industry we don’t normally get to see and, most importantly, raising money and awareness for hugely worthwhile causes.
With Kevin Duffy at the helm, Jonathan Stinton apparently accepting the role of Dec and Gemma Bennett potentially abandoning the whole Ant-and-Dec concept in favour of Scarlett Moffatt, the hosting team is certainly ready.
Now all they need is some talent to introduce… more on that to come!
INDUSTRY SUPPORT ALREADY BUILDING
Mortgage’s Got Talent takes place at Piazza Italiana on Wednesday 25 November 2026, from 6.30pm–11pm.
With industry backing already building and only a small number of packages remaining, firms wanting to support the event are being encouraged to secure their involvement early.
For expressions of interest contact Michelle Barraclough at michelleb@mortgageforce.co.uk or 07904 264 472. 
