BRITs presenters announced

Oct 30, 2008, 11:00 GMT

'Gavin and Stacey' actors James Corden and Mathew Horne have been lined up to host next year's BRIT Awards.

The British comedy stars are set to present the biggest event in the UK music calendar, which will take place in February at Earl's Court in London.

A source said: "The pair should do a great job. James is good friends with Lily Allen so he is used to being around pop stars. I am sure viewers will love them."

Comedy duo Mathew and James are also busy on two other projects, their own sketch show 'Horne and Corden' and a script for their film 'Vampire Lesbian Killers'.

Mathew and James, both 30, follow on from dysfunctional TV family the Osbournes - Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly and Jack - who presented the 2008 show.

The pair now join a long list of some of Britain's most lauded TV presenters who have helmed the BRITs - Russell Brand in 2007, Cat Deeley in 2004, Davina McCall in 2003 and Ant and Dec in 2001.

The ceremony has also traditionally courted controversy with memorable incidents including, over 300 complaints over Russell Brand's comments while hosting in 2007, Robbie Williams challenging Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher to a fight in 2000 and Chumbawamba throwing water over British politician John Prescott in 1998.

The show was always broadcast live until a shambolic performance from hosts glamour model Sam Fox and musician Mick Fleetwood in 1989. The live format only returned in 2007.

James has also confirmed he and co-star Ruth Jones will write a third series of the comedy show 'Gavin and Stacey' in which they rose to fame.

Mathew and James are no strangers to hosting glitzy bashes.

They have previously presented the NME Awards and compered at a fundraiser for charity Focus12, earlier this year.