The Oscars host usually delivers an opening monologue as well as being responsible for many of the ceremony’s memorable comedic moments.

As well as the main host, the ceremony also usually enlists an array of movie stars to present the individual statuettes.

ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke said this year’s ceremony on 24 February in Los Angeles would “just have presenters host the Oscars”.

The decision was taken after Hart’s withdrawal, she said.

Ms Burke added that “the mystery” hanging about this year’s event “has been compelling”, proving that viewers were keen to watch it.

GETTY IMAGESRob Lowe performed a duet with Snow White the last time the Oscars had no host

A number of Academy Awards ceremonies have had no host. The last time, in 1989, proved highly controversial, not least due to an opening number featuring Rob Lowe and an actress dressed as Disney’s Snow White.

A group of leading Hollywood figures wrote an open letter after the ceremony, calling the telecast “an embarrassment to both the Academy and the entire motion picture industry”.

The Walt Disney Company also filed a legal action against the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, accusing the organisation of copyright infringement.