Laverne and Stephenson to host British Book Awards

Radio presenter Lauren Laverne is to return as host of The British Book Awards, the "Oscars" of the books business, taking to the stage on 23rd May at Grosvenor House, London, after fronting the virtual events in 2020 and 2021.

For the first time, Laverne will be joined by television presenter Rhys Stephenson, who judged the overall Book of the Year category in 2021.

Laverne, the host of BBC 6 Music’s "Breakfast Show" and "Desert Island Discs", took over as compère of the British Book Awards in 2017. Stephenson, a key presenter for CBBC, hosting the likes of "Saturday Mash-Up!", "Blue Peter" and "Newsround", was a judge for the British Book Awards 2021. He also starred in 2021’s "Strictly Come Dancing".

Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of the British Book Awards, said: "We are delighted that Lauren Laverne is returning to the stage to host The British Book Awards this year, as she always leads the ceremony with the perfect combination of humour, savvy and perspective. We are thrilled that Rhys Stephenson is joining her, too. He was an exceptional judge for us in 2021, and his natural affection for books makes him a perfect partner for Lauren on a night when we’ll all be tripping the light fantastic."

Laverne said: "I have loved hosting The British Book Awards virtually over the past two years but am overjoyed to be returning to the stage this year to celebrate the publishing industry and toast their success in person. It’s particularly exciting to be joined by Rhys Stephenson, who I’ll be relying on to help me keep hundreds of publishers, booksellers and agents in order!"

Stephenson added: "I am delighted to be co-hosting The British Book Awards. Books remain the purest form of escapism for many and it’s an honour to be able to celebrate the best of the best."

The British Book Awards take place on 23rd May at Grosvenor House, London, with a live stream running alongside the in-person ceremony, satellite events taking place outside London, new partners helping to reach new readers and even a new dress code (cocktail attire, according to GQ, ‘flirts with formality and relaxation’ and ‘lies in the sweet spot between smart-casual and black tie’).

To view the shortlists, visit the website.