David Tennent is 'feeling nervous' ahead of the 2024 BAFTA Awards as he prepares to host the star-studded ceremony

David Tennant has started to feel a little 'nervous' ahead of the 2024 BAFTA Awards as he prepares to host the star-studded ceremony on Sunday.

The Doctor Who star, 52, will take over the coveted spot from last year's hosts Alison Hammond and Richard E Grant and front the British Academy Film Awards.

David revealed he was in complete shock when he received an email asking if he wanted to host the annual awards, which is being held at London's Royal Festival Hall.

Speaking to the Radio Times, he said: 'Right now, a month out, it feels like a bit of a thrill and a lark.

'An extraordinary opportunity to do something very unusual and exciting. People keep asking me how nervous I am, how I’m preparing for it and so on, and that’s beginning to make me nervous.

'Who knows why they’ve asked me! I just thought I’d say yes before they realised they’ve sent the email to the wrong person.'

While David is no stranger to the ceremony, having previously presented an award at the BAFTA Television Awards in May 2023, this will be his hosting debut.

It comes after David reprised his beloved role as the titular Time Lord in Doctor Who for the show's 60th Anniversary last year, earning praise from fans.

Speaking about his hosting stint, the Good Omens star said: 'I am delighted to have been asked to host the EE BAFTA Film Awards and help celebrate the very best of this year's films and the many brilliant people who bring them to life.'

BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip added that the academy was 'over the moon' that David would be hosting the Film Awards. 

She said: 'He is deservedly beloved by British and international audiences, alike. 

'His warmth, charm and mischievous wit will make it a must-watch show next month for our guests at the Royal Festival Hall and the millions of people watching at home.'

The longlists for the EE BAFTA Film Awards, including Best Film, Director, Actor and Actress, will be published on Friday, with the nominations announced by Naomi Ackie and Kingsley Ben-Adir, set to be unveiled on Thursday January 18. 

Last year, acting veteran Richard graced the stage as the BAFTAs host, and during his opening monologue referenced the notorious 2022 Academy Awards moment when movie star Will Smith, 54, slapped presenter Chris Rock across the face after he jested about Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Richard told the star-studded crowd: 'Nobody on my watch gets slapped tonight – except on the back.'

In 2022, Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids actress Rebel Wilson made risque jokes about the royal family, Vladimir Putin, the gender pay gap, her flop film Cats and her recent weight loss.

Richard added: 'So I was surprised...and I thought because I was so unashamedly enthusiastic during the awards circuit four years ago, when I was nominated for (a BAFTA).

'(BAFTA organisers) must know that I'm going to be a celebratory person rather than somebody who's there to roast other actors so hopefully, that's (going to) work out, I don't know yet.'

In November last year, David reprised his titular role in a trio of Doctor Who specials to mark the show's 60th Anniversary.

The episodes, which also saw Catherine Tate return as Donna Noble, were lauded by fans, and set the stage of Ncuti Gatwa to take over as The Doctor ahead of a new series later this year.