One scandal-hit presenter replaces another

Angus Deayton is to host this year’s British Comedy Awards, it has been announced.

Jonathan Ross stepped down after 17 years as host in the wake of the scandal over the Andrew Sachs phone calls.

Now ITV has revealed he will be replaced by Deayton, who lost his job as host of Have I Got News For You in 2002, amid tabloid scandal that he took drugs with a prostitute.

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.’ 

The show will be broadcast live on Saturday December 6.

Published: 21 Nov 2008