Comedienne Deirdre O'Kane is to host this year's Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) awards.

The ceremony will be broadcast on TV3 on Sunday April 10th from the Round Room of Dublin's Mansion House.

She is no stranger to IFTA ceremonies, having received no fewer than six nominations since the inaugural ceremony in 2003.

She also won the IFTA for Best Actress Film in 2015 for her portrayal of humanitarian Christina Noble in 'Noble'.

CEO of the IFTA, Áine Moriarty, welcomed Deirdre into her new role saying: "The Academy is delighted to introduce Deirdre O'Kane as the host of the 2016 IFTA Film and Drama Awards".

"Not only is she one of Ireland's most successful stand-up comedians but also an acclaimed dramatic actress, as she indelibly proved last year with her IFTA win for her mesmerizing performance in Noble".

"In what has been a phenomenal year for Irish film and drama, we look forward to a great night of acknowledgement and celebration of this work and some great fun too with Deirdre at the helm".

Commenting on the announcement herself, O'Kane said: "What an honour to be asked to host the IFTA Awards especially on such a fantastic year for Irish film and drama".

"All the success abroad in this golden year means that it is especially important to recognise and reward these accomplishments at home and I am delighted to be a part of such a prestigious and significant event", she added.

The ceremony will also see actor Liam Neeson receive the Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award.