The Libertines to reform.

The Libertines are to reform.

Former frontman Pete Doherty revealed at the NME Awards on Wednesday night (24.020.09), he and bandmate Carl Barat are to put the group back together.

Pete said: "I've written and recorded a solo album, there's probably another one on the way. There's an amazing Babyshambles record coming too and The Libertines is going to happen."

Pete - who was kicked out of the British band in 2004 after Carl grew tired of his drug taking - insists Carl is as enthusiastic about the reunion as he is.

He added: "I didn't twist Carl's arm too far. He doesn't take kindly to it. He's not harder than me but he's got a nasty streak. Twist it too far and it'll snap."

However, excited fans may have to wait until next year to see the band - which also includes drummer Gary Powell and bassist John Hasall - get back together due to Pete's commitments and Carl's own solo plans.

Carl - who recently disbanded his band Dirty Pretty Things -said: "I always put Pete forward as a little guinea pig. Pete solo, that worked out, so I'll do that next year. But I hate working alone. It's boring and I struggle with it. I do miss the support of being in a band."

The Libertines formed in 1997 and released two critically-acclaimed albums.

The band had a volatile history, centered around Pete and Carl's love/hate relationship. Pete, 29, recently revealed the band were offered huge sums of money to reform and headline festivals this year - but Carl, 30, refused because he feared Pete was "surrounded by darkness".