Ross gets awards job

The star has been the longstanding face of the show, which after 20 years is transferring from ITV to Channel 4 in a three-year deal.

When the move was announced earlier this week, organisers could not confirm whether he would continue.

But the presenter, who is soon to quit his BBC roles, said he was "delighted" that he would remain at the helm.

He said: "The British Comedy Awards is, in my opinion, the most exciting, entertaining and challenging award show on British TV. I'm delighted that Channel 4 want me to carry on hosting it."

Channel 4's head of comedy Shane Allen said: "The British Comedy Awards is a national institution, and Jonathan Ross is an enormous part of what makes it such a consistently must-watch event. We're thrilled that he will host our re-invigorated coverage."

Channel 4 promised to bring this year's ceremony "bang up to date".