Dermot O'Leary and Emma Willis confirmed to host the 2017 BRIT Awards

Dermot O'Leary and Emma Willis have officially been announced as replacement hosts for the 2017 BRIT Awards.

The sought-after presenting duo are taking over the role from the previously-announced Michael Bublé, who has to pull out for personal reasons. Michael's son Noah is currently battling cancer, and Michael is not working for the duration of Noah's treatment.

Dermot and Emma have both risen from Big Brother's sister show Bit on the Side (previously known as Big Brother's Little Brother) to now being two of the UK's most high-profile presenters. Dermot is best known for presenting The X Factor, while Emma is at the helm of rival show The Voice UK.

"Firstly, my immediate thoughts and prayers are with Michael and his family at such a difficult time," explained Dermot in a statement. "Michael is an effortless show man, so those patent shoes will not be easy to fill, but it's an honour to be asked to step in with Emma to host the BRITs."

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Meanwhile, Emma - who also hosted the live BRITs Nominations Launch Show on ITV earlier this month - expressed her delight at working alongside Derm: "I had an awesome time presenting the nominations show this year and I am delighted to be asked back for the main event.

"To present the BRITs is an honour but to be doing it alongside one of my absolute favourites, Mr Dermot O'Leary is just bonkers. Bring on the BRITs 2017."

Skepta, Little Mix and Rihanna lead this year's BRIT Awards nominations with three apiece, while David Bowie and Leonard Cohen receive posthumous nods. Meanwhile sisters will battle it out for Best International Female as Beyoncé goes up against her sister Solange.

Currently announced to perform at this year's BRITs are Emeli Sande, The 1975, Little Mix and BRITs Icon winner Robbie Williams. The 2017 BRIT Awards takes place from The O2 Arena in London on February 22.

Images: JM Enternational