Fry reveals he is to step down as Bafta host after more than a decade

Stephen Fry has announced he is stepping down as host of the Bafta Film Awards after more than a decade.

The actor and comedian said it “felt only right” to hand over the baton, having been at the helm of the prestigious ceremony 12 times.

The 60-year-old said: “Every one of the 12 Bafta Film Award ceremonies that I had the privilege of hosting has a place in my memory.

“The mixture of glamour, glory, drama and – occasionally – embarrassment and hiccup holds a unique place in the British film calendar.

“Over the last two decades I have especially loved watching the emergence of new young film talent behind and in front of the camera.

“But after so long a time I felt it only right to stand down and let others take the Baftas on to new heights and greater glories.

“What fun it will be to watch Bafta 2018 without my heart hammering, mouth drying and knees trembling.”

The news comes barely a month before the awards ceremony. His replacement will be announced next week.

Bafta chief executive Amanda Berry said: “I would like to sincerely thank Stephen Fry for making each and every one of the Film Awards he’s presented such memorable and joyous occasions. We will miss him tremendously.”

The ceremony will feature a performance from Cirque du Soleil’s latest show, Ovo.