Michael Buble ‘steps down as Brit Awards host to care for son with cancer’

Michael Buble has reportedly stepped down as host of the Brit Awards 2017 after his three year-old son was diagnosed with cancer.

The Canadian swing singer had been announced as the new presenter of the UK music awards ceremony, but has since turned down the job following new that his son Noah has liver cancer.

“It was a difficult call but Michael has decided to pull out of hosting the Brit Awards,” a source told The Sun.

“Out of respect for Michael the producers gave him as much time as he needed to make the decision, which they completely understood.

“He would have put a unique stamp on the night so it’s a real shame, but at the moment his priority is his family.

“They are exploring other options now about who will take his place and a number of people have thrown their hat in the ring.

“No matter who they pick it will be an incredible night.”

A new host for the awards ceremony has not yet been named, though previous years have seen ITV stalwarts Ant and Dec take the reins.

This year’s awards ceremony is due to take place on February 22, with rock icon David Bowie posthumously nominated in two categories.

The Starman is up for Best British Male Solo Artist against the likes of Craig David, Michael Kiwanuka, and Skepta, while his final record Blackstar is up for Best Album.

Elsewhere, Zayn Malik and One Direction are going head-to-head in the British Artist Video of the Year for Pillowtalk and History respectively, while Little Mix face off against Radiohead, The 1975, Bastille, and Biffy Clyro for Best British Group.

The Evening Standard has contacted ITV for comment.