Unlike Academy Awards, BAFTA Film Awards don’t like to change their host each year and usually stick with one for a longer time. That was the case with Stephen Fry, who hosted the awards 12 times since 2001. Now, the time has come for someone else to take the gig.
Fry announced on Friday that he is stepping down as the host of the BAFTA Film Awards in 2018. He said that it was “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.” Fry added.
The 60-year-old comedian had his first tenure as BAFTA Film Awards host from 2001 to 2006. Then from 2007 to 2011, Jonathan Ross stepped in, only to pass the torch to Fry once again. Fry was extremely successful in his role and beloved by the audience, something which definitely played a great part in him sticking around for so long.
“On behalf of everyone at BAFTA, I would like to sincerely thank Stephen Fry for making each and every one of the Film Awards that he’s presented such memorable and joyous occasions. We will miss him tremendously.” said BAFTA’s chief executive Amanda Berry.
The 2018 BAFTA ceremony will take place on February 18 at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Fry’s replacement, as well as the nominations, will be revealed on Tuesday, January 9th.
British media is already speculating with the list of people who could step in for Fry. Besides Jonathan Ross, who would be a safe choice, other candidates include Claudia Winkleman, Ricky Gervais, and Emma Thompson. The name of James Corden was also thrown into the mix, mostly because he would appeal to the U.S. audience, something that is very important for the BAFTA.
