After 12 years, Stephen Fry bids adieu to hosting BAFTA award

Hollywood veteran Stephen Fry has finally decided to end his long run as host of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA).

According to the Independent, the 60-year-old actor has hosted the ceremony 12 times, but said it was ‘only right to stand down and let others take the BAFTAs on to new heights and greater glories.’

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

Whereas the Academy Awards changes its host almost every time, in the UK, Fry has been a near constant presence in recent years, fronting the BAFTAs from 2011-2017 and having first hosted it in 2001.

During Fry’s break from hosting duties, Jonathan Ross stepped in to take up the mantle. BAFTA head Amanda Berry thanked Fry, saying that he made the awards ‘such memorable and joyous occasions.’

She also shared that a new host will be announced on January 9 at the same time the BAFTA award nominations are revealed.

This year’s ceremony, taking place on February 18, will be held for a second year at the Royal Albert Hall in London and will feature a performance by Cirque du Soleil.