Deayton steps in to present awards

4:35pm Friday 21st November 2008

Angus Deayton is to host this year's Comedy Awards after Jonathan Ross stood down, programme makers confirmed.

Deayton left Have I Got News For You as host after allegations about his private life left him the butt of the jokes on the programme.

He has since gone on to host programmes such as ITV's Hell's Kitchen.

Ross stepped down from fronting the Comedy Awards in the wake of the Andrew Sachs prank calls row which followed a broadcast on Russell Brand's Radio 2 show.

Guy Freeman, controller of ITV music & events, said: "Angus is simply one of the best.

"We always hoped that he would agree to take on the challenge of hosting one of TV's toughest gigs, and now we're thrilled that he has."

Deayton is also known for his appearances on One Foot In The Grave and more recently Nighty Night, Comedy Sketchbook and Would I Lie To You?

Now in its 19th year, the awards ceremony has a reputation for providing riotous, unpredictable viewing in the presence of an international array of big entertainment names, showcasing some of the most outrageous and hilarious comedy moments of the year.

The British Comedy Awards 2008 is on Saturday December 6 on ITV1 and ITV2.