Ant and Dec have revealed they wanted to host the Brit Awards again, so they can bury ghosts of their past.

The award-winning presenting duo – Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly – are set to lead the music ceremony at London’s O2 Arena on February 25. It will be shown on ITV.

Ant and Dec hosted the 2001 Brit Awards
Ant and Dec hosted the Brits in 2001 (Matthew Fearn/PA)

It would be their second time taking to the stage after fronting the event in 2001. James Corden led the last four ceremonies, with previous hosts including Peter Kay, Russell Brand and Chris Evans.

“We’re very excited about hosting it. We did it in 2001 but we don’t really remember doing it,” Dec said.

“We were sort of nervous and a bit scared. We didn’t have a very nice time.

“So when we got asked to do it again, initially we said no and then we said, ‘Why don’t we do it and have a laugh? Enjoy it this time and try to remember it.’ So we’re going to go back and have some fun, and hopefully make it fun for everybody and the big thing is, handing out the awards.”

Dec added: “It’s the biggest event in the British music calendar so we’re looking forward to being at the helm and hopefully make it a nice evening.”

Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith
Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith have Brit nominations (PA/PA Wire)

Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and George Ezra lead the nominations for this year’s event, sponsored by MasterCard, and they, along with Take That, Taylor Swift, Royal Blood and Paloma Faith, have been confirmed as performers.

Meanwhile, Dec also revealed he is planning to tie the knot to fiancee Ali Astall in summer 2016.

Declan Donnelly and fiancee Ali Astall
Dec and fiancee Ali Astall (Ian West/PA Wire)

“I’m hoping to find time for a wedding next year. Hopefully we’re going to get married in the summer. I hope!” he said.