After Jonathan Roos was forced to pull out of presenting this years British Comedy Awards, Angus Deayton has stepped into his shoes.

A former British Comedy Award winner himself, Angus Deayton is best-known to TV audiences for Have I Got News For You, One Foot in the Grave (both former BCA winners) and more recently Nighty Night, Hell’s Kitchen, Comedy Sketchbook and currently Would I Lie To You?

Now in its 19th year, Britain’s best-loved comedy awards ceremony enjoys a well-earned reputation for providing riotous, unpredictable viewing in the presence of an international array of the biggest names in entertainment, showcasing some of the most outrageous, successful and hilarious comedy moments of the year.

Guy Freeman, Controller of ITV Music & Events, comments: “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 British Comedy Awards 2008 is on Saturday 6 December 2008 on ITV1 and ITV2.