BAFTA host Fry admits stage fright

LONDON, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Stephen Fry, the host of Britain's annual BAFTA awards program, is stepping aside after six years due to chronic stage fright.

The Independent said Fry has conceded in a British Broadcasting Corp. documentary that he has been stricken with manic depression and crippling stage despite being the high-profile host of one of the country's biggest television events.

The BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) honors the best of the island's movie and TV accomplishments.

Fry said he enjoyed his tenure on the show and looked forward to "watching it without nerves."

A replacement has not yet been named.