Stephen Fry has stepped down as the host of the Bafta film awards after six years, it was announced yesterday. "It has been a tremendous six years, and I look forward to watching it without nerves in future," he said.

Bafta is looking for a new host, with Jonathan Ross said to be already in negotiations.

Fry has been a popular host of the event, which has grown in stature to become a significant fixture in the movie awards season. David Parfitt, chairman of the Bafta film committee, said: "Stephen has been a wonderful host and has been a pleasure to work with for the past six years."