Stephen Fry is to return to hosting the BAFTA Film Awards in 2012, taking over from previous incumbent Jonathan Ross.

Fry hosted the ceremony until 2006 when Ross became host. In a press release from the BBC, which televises the ceremony, Fry is quoted as saying: "I had a marvellous time presenting the Film Awards for the first six years of the century. Hard as it may be for some characteristically sceptical Britons to believe, the BAFTAs have real kudos, reputation and cachet all over the world of film-making and I, old as I am, never cease to be shamelessly glamorised by the sight of so many legendary names who come every year as nominees and presenters."

"The adorable Jonathan Ross has done a magnificent job since I last hung up my bow-tie and boxed my patent leather pumps," Fry continued, "and I am honoured and pleased to return to the lectern and host what I am sure will be an evening of squeals, surreally weird acceptance speeches and genuinely exciting surprises and pleasures."

Meanwhile, Jonathan Ross, who is now contracted to ITV and currently hosting a new chat show on the commercial channel, said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed doing the Awards for the last five years and it is absolutely the right time for a change. I wish my old friend Stephen all the best and I'm sure he will do a fantastic job."

Fry himself has been recently working on a series of film projects. He is currently writing a remake of The Dam Busters; and will be starring in the forthcoming blockbuster movie adaptation of The Hobbit alongside The Office's Martin Freeman. Fry will also appear in the next Sherlock Holmes movie - A Game of Shadows - as Holmes' older brother Mycroft.

The BAFTA Film Awards 2012 will be screened on Sunday 12th February 2012 on BBC One.