BAFTA TV Awards to go ahead virtually for the first time with Richard Ayoade as host
Two months after the BAFTA TV and Television Craft Awards were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts has found a way for the shows to go ahead – and here's when.
Announcing an entirely new setting for the awards, BAFTA has confirmed that the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards will be broadcast on BBC One on Friday, July 31. Writer, comedian, and actor Richard Ayoade will present.
The British Academy Television Craft Awards, which will be hosted by Stephen Mangan, will be streamed online on Friday, July 17.
The TV and TV Craft Awards were originally scheduled to take place on April 16 and May 17 respectively.
Related: Who votes for the BAFTAs? How the British Academy awards actually work
BAFTA has promised that the awards ceremonies will take place "in accordance with current restrictions", filmed in a closed studio, and with nominees invited to accept their awards virtually.
In a statement, new host Ayoade set the tone for the upcoming awards. "I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead," the Crystal Maze star said.
The Chief Executive of BAFTA, Amanda Berry, cited the success of the British Academy Game Awards – which were also held virtually – as reason for pushing forward with the award shows.
"We want to celebrate and reward the talented individuals who make up the television industry, both behind and in-front of the camera, many of whom have continued to entertain and inform the nation in recent weeks," Berry said.
Related: BAFTA Film Awards 2020 winners list in full
Promising "great entertainment", she added: "Following the success of the online British Academy Games Awards in March, we are proud to be delivering a further two awards shows during this difficult time."
Nominations for both the Television and Television Craft Awards will be revealed next Thursday (June 4).
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