David Walliams has said it is a “huge thrill” to host the Jameson Empire Awards 2016.

The comedian and children’s author will make his film awards hosting debut at the event to be held in London on March 20.

Talking about the event, he said: “It’s a huge thrill to be hosting the Jameson Empire Awards. I have read the magazine for as long as I can remember and am super excited to find out which Hollywood stars are attending this year.”

David Walliams
David Walliams (Lionel Cironneau/AP)

Co-creator of award-winning Little Britain, the London-born actor is currently judging contestants auditioning for ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Empire’s editor-in-chief Terri White said: “I have long been a massive fan of David’s work – even if my ribs don’t always thank me for it – so I’m absolutely over the moon that he’s agreed to host this year’s Jameson Empire Awards.

“With such a brilliant host and more gongs up for grabs than ever before, it’s sure to be a night to remember.”

The awards, by film magazine Empire, were first presented in 1996.

In 2014, Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise was named The Legend Of Our Lifetime – and he personally turned up at the ceremony to collect his accolade.

The introduction of 11 new categories spanning film, television and gaming has set-up the Jameson Empire Awards to be the biggest yet.

Tom Cruise attended the Empire Awards in 2014
Tom Cruise attended the Empire Awards in 2014 (David Jensen/PA)

The 21st annual awards will be voted for by the fans, with film and entertainment aficionados from across the world also invited to cast their votes.

The final nominations for the awards will be announced on February 18.

Fans will be able to select their winners by visiting the official site.