compere

James McGrath, who is compere for the event, said he had known Marty for years, and "he's all about persistence and getting things done".

New comic superstar Paul Smith made his name roasting crowds as an MC/compere in Liverpool, while Jimmy Carr is also famed for inviting and actively engaging with interuptions.

He studied psychology at Queen's University in Belfast before making his first serious steps into stardom as compere at the Empire Comedy Club in the city.

One night in 1985, Paul O'Grady was working behind the bar at a gay pub in London when he remarked that he could do a better job of hosting ladies' night than the current compere.

It's worth noting that Rock's joke wasn't the most offensive we've heard from an awards ceremony compere in recent years.