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London, UK - Trailed as the biggest night in the UK's TV calendar, the 2025 Bafta
Television Awards at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, May 11th, certainly lived up
to the hype. Hosted with acerbic wit and a spectacular wardrobe by Alan Cumming
the ceremony saw a mix of beloved favourites and critical hits take home the
covetedマスクs, alongside powerful moments highlighting ongoing issues. From
unexpected fashion choices to emotional acceptance speeches and hints of future
projects, we were on the red carpet and backstage to bring you the moments you
might have missed.
Whether your television allegiances lie with the much-loved characters of Gavin &
Stacey or the gripping narrative of Baby Reindeer, there was something for every
TV aficionado to dissect and discuss.
A Bridal Encore for Stacey Solomon
Among the early arrivals turning heads on the red carpet was Sort Your Life Out
star Stacey Solomon. Nominated for two Baftas, she made a memorable statement
by re-wearing a reimagined version of her wedding dress from her 2022 marriage
to Joe Swash. "I decided to have my wedding dress reworked today because
wearing it once feels like a travesty," she shared with her Instagram followers. The
decision resonated widely, praised as being perfectly in line with the star's popular
upcycling hacks and a refreshing take on रेड carpet fashion.
Alan Cumming's Theatrical Turn (and Numerous Outfits)
Taking the helm for the evening was the inimitable Scottish actor Alan Cumming,
known for hosting the US version of The Traitors. His hosting duties began with a
pre-recorded video showing him in the iconic Traitors' turret, wryly declaring the
Bafta hosting gig as "the 12th biggest honour of my life" and playfully promising to
avoid a wardrobe malfunction, adding, "whatever pops out pops out. Oo-er."
Cumming proved to be a dynamic and entertaining host, his gentle yet sometimes
sharp humour landing well with the star-studded audience. True to form, he
treated viewers to not one, not two, but three costume changes throughout the
ceremony, in addition to his initial red carpet look. He greeted us earlier in the day
in a black morning-style suit featuring dramatic white cape-like detailing. This
was later swapped for a vibrant electric-blue shiny suit paired with wide-leg
trousers and a leopard-print shirt and corsage. A switch to a pale pink suit with
silver beading followed, before concluding the evening in a rich, dark brown velvet
ensemble. A defiant "I changed again, so sue me," he quipped to viewers, perfectly
capturing his playful approach to the night's fashion.
Gavin & Stacey Dreams and Future Collaborations
Fresh from her win for best female comedy performance for her role as Nessa in
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, Ruth Jones offered tantalizing hints about her working
relationship with co-creator and co-star James Corden. "I love working with James,
I really do," Jones said backstage, "And I hope that we will carry on working
together... we will. Because we both like sitting in a room together. We do a lot of
napping, but we do write as well."
While the festive special last year seemed to wrap up Nessa and Smithy's story
(Jones noted that people have stopped asking about more Gavin & Stacey, adding,
"You don't really want to think about Ness and Smithy in a domestic situation,
putting the bins out"), the prospect of future collaborations between the acclaimed
writing duo is sure to excite fans. It has also recently been announced that the pair
have collaborated on a book, "When Gavin Met Stacey And Everything In Between:
A Story Of Love And Friendship," and are set to discuss it at the Hay Festival,
further solidifying their creative bond beyond the beloved sitcom.
Danny Dyer's Comedy Triumph and West Ham Joy
A somewhat unexpected but well-received winner on the night was former
EastEnders star Danny Dyer, who took home the Bafta for best male comedy
performance for his role in Mr Bigstuff. In the series, Dyer plays one of two
estranged brothers navigating their complicated relationship.
Speaking after his win, a visibly thrilled Dyer admitted, "I can't believe it. Some
people will be fuming [at his win]. But I've earned it. It's like 'wow, I've made it'."
Known primarily for his dramatic roles, Dyer's foray into scripted comedy proved a
winning one. "I've never really done it [comedy], I've not been known for it. My first
outing in scripted comedy and to nick one of these is mental."
What could possibly top a Bafta win? For Dyer, it was earlier sporting success. "West
Ham beat Man Utd and my future son-in-law [Jarrod Bowen] scored a goal... there's
got to be a catch somewhere!" he joked, his personal joy adding to the celebratory
mood.
Mr Loverman Steals Hearts and Promises to Party
The adaptation of Bernadine Evaristo's compelling novel Mr Loverman proved a
significant winner, with both its leading actor, Lennie James, and supporting actor,
Ariyon Bakare, scooping acting prizes.
James described his role as Barrington Walker as "the part of a lifetime" and
highlighted the rarity of seeing a drama centered on a "queer, black, old couple."
He expressed hope that the series would "spark conversations in the wider
community."
Bakare delivered one of the evening's most moving acceptance speeches, later
explaining backstage the depth of his emotion. "I was homeless when I was 14. You
don't ever think you'll do something like this. I'd go in and see half a play, I couldn't
afford to see a whole show."
Both acclaimed actors were ready to celebrate their well-deserved wins. James
succinctly told journalists, "I'm going to get wrecked," while Bakare shared his
equally enthusiastic plan to "dance around my Bafta like women dance round their
handbags."
The Post Office Scandal: A Win, A Plea, and Ongoing Coverage
ITV's powerful drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office rightly received recognition on the
night, winning the award for best limited drama. However, the win served as a
platform for urgent calls to action regarding the ongoing fight for justice and
compensation for the sub-postmasters wrongly convicted in the Horizon IT
scandal.
Speaking backstage, the drama's writer, Gwyneth Hughes, emphasized that many of
those affected are still awaiting compensation. "Several compensation schemes
are going on. Some of our main characters have not been paid." She expressed
hope that the Bafta win would amplify awareness, stating, "If we're on the front
pages tomorrow... I hope it helps." Producer Patrick Spence added an impassioned
plea: "It's not over. We beg you... get the story out."
The impact of the drama was further underscored later in the evening when the
BBC Breakfast team won the news coverage award for their Post Office special. The
programme's editor, Richard Frediani, affirmed their commitment to the story:
"We've even got a story about the Post Office on the programme tomorrow in terms
of someone's campaign for compensation. We will continue to tell their stories and
ask questions on their behalf."
Kirsty Wark Reflects on a Fellowship and Newsnight's Future
Veteran journalist Kirsty Wark, who departed BBC Two's Newsnight in 2024 after
three decades, was rightly honoured with a Bafta Fellowship. Accepting the
prestigious award, Wark lightheartedly suggested she might have received it "for
being 70, who knows?"
Despite the programme undergoing changes, including a shortened runtime and
cuts to investigative films, Wark expressed confidence in its continued relevance. "If
Newsnight wasn't there, they'd have to reinvent it. I'd bet £500 that Newsnight is
safe. You still need that programme at the end of the day to see what just
happened." Her comments served as a timely reminder of the enduring importance
of in-depth current affairs programming.
Glimpses into Television's Future
Beyond the awards themselves, the evening offered tantalizing glimpses into what
viewers can expect on their screens in the future.
While Mr Loverman was initially considered a "limited series," Lennie James hinted
on the red carpet that its story might not be entirely concluded: "I don't know that
it's done." This suggests a potential continuation for the critically acclaimed
drama.
The possibility of a return for the hugely popular Line of Duty was also raised, with
Anna Maxwell Martin discussing the prospect. However, she sadly confirmed that if
the show were to return, she would not be reprising her role as DCS Patricia
Carmichael, explaining that sometimes actors are "not allowed to revise certain
roles due to contracts with other streamers."
The team behind the international hit Shogun, which won best international show,
excited fans by revealing that a potential "10-year time leap in part two" is being
considered, promising a fresh direction for the acclaimed historical drama.
While Alma's Not Normal won the Bafta for best scripted comedy for its second
season, creator Sophie Willan confirmed that a third series is not on the cards
However, she teased that "there might be something else in the pipeline," leaving
the door open for future projects, perhaps even a Christmas special.
Clive Myrie, whose BBC Two show Caribbean Adventure won the daytime Bafta
gong, is set to embark on filming the second series in Africa soon. When asked who
he would ideally like to join him on his travels, the news anchor offered a
surprising and amusing suggestion: "The new Pope - I think we could have some
interesting conversations. It's got Bafta written all over it!" Myrie was quick to add
that despite his foray into travelogue, news remains his core focus. "I may end up
doing more entertainment stuff as I'm an old bloke... but news is the core, I won't do
anything that distracts me [from that]."
The Traitors Miss Out as The Jury Delivers a Verdict
In one of the more debated outcomes of the night, the hit BBC show The Traitors,
set in a Scottish castle, missed out on the three awards it was nominated for,
including the coveted best reality series prize.
That gong was awarded to Channel 4's The Jury: Murder Trial, a series that restaged
court proceedings with two juries of ordinary people. The win sparked some online
disappointment from fans of The Traitors.
Speaking backstage, the team behind The Jury: Murder Trial confirmed a second
series is in the works, with the next case described as "really relatable." They also
commented on the nature of their show, noting that while "Technically it's a reality
show it isn't about something like dating," and humorously acknowledging that it
felt "a bit surreal" to be competing against shows like Love is Blind.
The Bafta Television Awards 2025 delivered a night of well-deserved wins,
memorable fashion moments, and important conversations, cementing its place as
a pivotal event in the UK's television landscape.
