Latest news with #BaftaAwards
New Statesman
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Statesman
British TV will be a victim of the US trade deal
Patrick Spence with the cast and crew accepts the Limited Drama Award for 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office' during the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards. Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images At Sunday night's Bafta Awards, the nation once more paid tribute to a group of Brits with little money and less clout who took on the rich and powerful. I'm talking, of course, not about the wronged sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses dramatised in Mr Bates vs the Post Office, but of the UK TV creatives and production companies battling for survival against the might of US streamers such as Netflix, Amazon and Disney+. For British production companies, there appears an ever-dwindling hope of postmaster-style victory. Last week's limited US trade deal and President Trump's recent tariff threats on film and TV make the future appear bleaker than ever. The crisis has been caused largely by streamers, who have flocked to Britain to make shows but are now increasingly refusing to work on co-productions with British companies. Meanwhile they have pushed up fees for talent and crew. All at a time when our public service broadcasters are struggling to commission due to a fall in ad revenue for ITV and a squeeze on licence fees for the BBC. It has meant that despite all its critical success, Mr Bates is still bearing a £1m financial loss. Wolf Hall director Peter Kosminsky says his TV adaptation of Hilary Mantel's books would not happen now and were only completed because he, Mark Rylance and others took pay cuts. Toby Jones also worked below the market rate on Mr Bates. Kosminsky is among those calling for a 5 per cent levy on streamers to create a pot of money to offset costs. Global streamers could claim money back from the pot in return for co-producing shows with British firms. The House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee has backed a levy, but the plan is going nowhere within DCMS: the government is desperate for foreign investment in creative industries and fears upsetting Trump with what sounds remarkably similar to a tariff. A White House memo said levies on US streamers would 'violate American sovereignty'. Collecting the award for Mr Bates, ITV's director of television, Kevin Lygo, committed to continuing to make such shows even 'at a time when funding is tricky'. There are murmurs from DCMS about a system of greater tax breaks. But BFI figures show that despite a boom in foreign investment into Britain, spending on domestic programmes was down by 22 per cent last year. Like bats and the green belt, home-grown British TV looks likely to become collateral damage in the 'going for growth' offensive. GB News viewers will be cheered to learn that Nigel Farage is due back on their favourite channel next month after a leave of absence in the run-up to the local elections. Farage himself will be cheered to learn he could scoop a stonking £4m from the channel between now and the next election, with colleagues claiming he is earning 'the best part of £1m a year' on a deal stating he can work as few or as many shows as he is able. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe GB News is already cheered by regulator Ofcom dropping investigations into radio and TV programmes fronted by politicians after a High Court ruling overturned its decision on a Jacob Rees-Mogg show. Decidedly not cheered is anyone who believes impartiality in British broadcasting is all that prevents us from sinking into a US-style sewer of TV partisanship. GB News investors are apparently 'thrilled' to have Farage back on screens – particularly as a weekend poll showed Reform support at ten points ahead of Labour. Farage's shows consistently pull in some of the channel's biggest viewing figures. Bosses hope his political momentum could drive GB News into the mainstream, and presumably help it stem the £33m losses it made in the year to May 2024 (more than £105m since its launch four years ago). But its backers are less worried about financial losses and more interested in influence. Its biggest shareholders are hedge-funder Paul Marshall, who last year paid way over the odds for the Spectator,and Legatum Ventures Ltd, connected to the right-wing think tank the Prosperity Institute (formerly named Legatum). In GB News they have found a means of funding a platform for Farage and shunting the national conversation rightwards. Ofcom must act fast in the interests of keeping British television as non-partisan as it can. Or we might yet have a highly paid prime minister addressing the nation from our TV screens each evening. A Nevada court is to decide whether sealed documents should be made public in the courtroom battle between 94-year-old Rupert Murdoch and three of his children. Last year he failed in a legal bid to change the terms of a trust which means his four eldest children will share control of his empire on his death. But you don't get to be a four-times-married business magnate with a $21bn fortune who has controlled the media across three continents over 60 years by giving up that easily. So the court wrangle drags on. Murdoch wants full control of his empire to go to his more conservatively minded eldest son, Lachlan, who has headed up Fox News and NewsCorp for the past two years. He fears shared control with his more liberal offspring will spell the end for Fox News and the Sun. Finally Murdoch has found something he is compelled to control even more than politics and money: his legacy. [See also: Who was the real DH Lawrence?] Related
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Mr Bates Vs The Post office trumps Baby Reindeer for Bafta but Jessica Gunning wins gong for Martha
Sunday's Bafta Awards saw Richard Gadd walk out empty-handed after losing out to Mr Bates vs The Post Office Richard Gadd walked out of the Bafta Awards empty-handed after losing out to Mr Bates vs The Post Office for a second time. Gadd's Baby Reindeer had previously lost out to the rival "true story" at this year's TV Choice awards. His 'true story' of being stalked and raped had been nominated in the limited drama category at the Baftas, which was won by the critically acclaimed true story of the Horizon post office scandal. But there was good news for Jessica Gunning who once again picked up an award for her portrayal of the stalker Martha in Baby Reindeer, winning best supporting actress. Accepting the award, Gunning said she was 'so proud' to be part of the series. She said: 'I sometimes do this kind of cheesy thing where I look back on the younger me and moments in my life, and I imagine the kind of then me, seeing me now, and think, 'little did we know'." It marks a quadruplet of major wins for Gunning, having previously clinched an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild award. She also wished Richard Gadd a happy birthday in character, calling out, 'Happy birthday, nipple.' Her latest win comes just days after Gadd revealed he had not had time to reflect on the success of Baby Reindeer, which is one of Netflix 's biggest series of all time. It has been mired in controversy as a result of the streaming channel claiming 'This is a true story' in the opening credits. Scots law graduate Fiona Harvey, 60, has claimed the stalker character Martha is based on her and that her life has been ruined as a result of the show. She is suing Netflix in a £132 million case due to be heard in a Californian court next year, unless the two parties settle. Harvey is diabetic and blames the stress caused from being depicted as a convicted stalker on her latest health woes. She claims she has received death threats after being depicted as a twice-convicted stalker. Harvey said: 'There have been threats of physical violence and rape and being told my days were numbered. "People say I stalked Gadd so we'll stalk you. Most of these death threats come from men from America. Very few women. They were all men aged between 22 and 35. "They said they wanted to rape me and rape my children. "I actually don't have any children, but they said they would rape them like I had raped Gadd. One man said he was going to skin me alive." Gadd, 36, claims he has also been under immense pressure as a result of the show. He told The Guardian: "There have been a lot of challenging moments. "The show has reached such an extreme pitch – there have been times when I've felt like the pressure was intolerable. "It's been a hurricane. I don't think I'm at the point of reflection yet." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. On the success of the show as well as the controversy, he added: "I'm still getting used to it. Going to the supermarket comes with a million caveats now.' Gadd, who is working on a show for the BBC called Half Man, said he needed "some real time off" to figure out how he can get his feet back on the ground. Bafta Fellowship honouree Kirsty Wark, who left BBC Two's Newsnight programme in 2024 after 30 years, joked that she probably got her award "for being 70, who knows?" The long-running show was shortened by 15 minutes a year ago and its investigative films were cut. But Wark thinks it will survive. She said: "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."
Metro
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders boss confirms huge return is in the works
Who's it gonna be?! (Picture: BBC) Could a familiar face be making a dramatic return to Albert Square? EastEnders fans have been sent into a frenzy after a top boss tipped a fan favourite character may be making a comeback. EastEnders scooped the Best Soap and Continuing Drama trophy at the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards, taking the award back to Albert Square for the first time since 2019. This is the 10th win EastEnders has had in this category, and while sharing her excitement over the achievement, BBC's Head of Continuing Drama Kate Oates hinted we can expect an exciting character return in the near future. While she didn't give too much away, she did say: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed, because there's potentially one on the cards.' She went on to tease: 'There are some really big stories coming up, and if it's a return you're after, then you might be interested in what's on the horizon.' EastEnders took home the BAFTA to Albert Square (Picture: Getty Images for BAFTA) This announcement has sparked speculation among fans about which character we could expect to see back on our screens. As of late, the show has already seen some iconic cast members return to Albert Square as the show celebrates its 40th anniversary, including the likes of Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who made a dramatic reappearance after being presumed dead for the past 25 years. Other returns we have seen in recent times include Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), Peter Beale (Thomas Law), Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) and Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). A fiery return is on the horizon! (Picture:BBC) As the anniversary celebrations continue, it seems the show is pulling out all the stops, and one more surprise could be just around the corner. One thing is for sure, as we have seen with Cindy Beale's return, death isn't final in Walford, so it really could be anyone! If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Richard Gadd reveals enormous pressure of Baby Reindeer has been a 'hurricane' Arrow MORE: Danny Dyer's explicit TV Baftas speech revealed after being axed from broadcast Arrow MORE: TV fans are livid after major BBC show's 'despicable' Bafta Awards snub
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright weren't in Bafta TV Awards tribute as fans blast 'shameful' omission
Bafta viewers were left baffled after Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Joan Plowright were left out of the In Memoriam tribute. The star-studded Bafta TV Awards were held at the Royal Festival Hall in London's South Bank Centre on Sunday and an edited version was later shown on BBC One, hosted by actor Alan Cumming. Harry Potter and Downton Abbey actress Smith died aged 89 last September and Enchanted April star Plowright passed away aged 95 in January. The In Memorian section, which pays tribute to prominent actors, presenters and other esteemed figures who have died in the past year, failed to mention the two beloved stars in their list. Famous faces like TV doctor Michael Moseley, EastEnders star Roberta Taylor, Going for Gold host Henry Kelly, Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, and Dr Kildare actor Richard Chamberlain were honoured in the emotional segment, set to a performance by French violinist Esther Abrami to the song Apple Tree. Coronation Street actor Timothy West and Man About the House star Brian Murphy were also commemorated in the section. The reason Smith and Plowright were excluded from the list was because they had received special tributes at the Bafta Film Awards' In Memorian segment in February. Actors who are best known for television are usually honoured at the TV Awards, while stars who are more aligned with film are celebrated at the Film Awards. Viewers at home were confused by the omission nonetheless, with one raging on X: 'No Maggie Smith?? Feels like quite an oversight.' Another added 'They left out Dame Maggie Smith from the list of those who died during the last year. DISGUSTING. SHAME on you.' 'Bafta TV Awards snubbed Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright, even if they are know mostly for film/theatre,' a third posted. Viewers also got to see their favourite shows pick up accolades during the awards ceremony. Jeff Goldblum performs a moving piano tribute during the In Memoriam portion of the #BAFTAs #BAFTA2025 #BAFTAFilmAwards — 𝙲𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚊 𝙱𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚝 (@CinemaBurst) February 16, 2025 Baby Reindeer snapped up a win, with Jessica Gunning earning the best supporting actress prize for playing a stalker in the hit Netflix series. The Bafta for limited drama was awarded to ITV's Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, which has renewed public attention on the subpostmasters who fought to clear their names in the wake of the Horizon scandal. The best supporting actor prize went to Ariyon Bakare for the BBC LGBT+ drama Mr Loverman, based on the Bernardine Evaristo novel of the same name. In the comedy performance categories former EastEnders star Danny Dyer won for Sky's Mr Bigstuff, with Welsh actress Ruth Jones winning for her role playing Vanessa Shanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins in the Gavin And Stacey finale.
Irish Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Northern police drama Blue Lights wins best drama series at Baftas
Blue Lights , the BBC police drama written by Irish duo Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, was named best drama series at the TV Bafta awards in London last night. The Police Service of Northern Ireland series beat off meaty competition, including from Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, the adaptation of the Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall historical novels. 'Belfast, this one's for you,' said Lawn as he accepted the award for the second series of Blue Lights. Two more seasons of the successful drama have been commissioned. The event at London's Royal Festival Hall also saw Derry production company Alleycats TV – Des Henderson, Emma Parkins, Ed Stobart, Jane Magowan and Denis Minihan – win in the daytime category for BBC show Clive Myrie's Caribbean Adventure. READ MORE Irish actors Lola Petticrew and Nicola Coughlan missed out on awards, having both been nominated for the first time. Petticrew was nominated in the leading actress category for her role as Dolours Price in the Disney/FX Productions series Say Nothing , with the series itself nominated for the international Bafta award. The leading actress award was won by Marisa Abela, star of Industry , a BBC drama following a group of finance graduates. Lola Petticrew as Dolours Price in in the Disney/FX Productions series Say Nothing. Photograph: Rob Youngson/FX Nicola Coughlan – who was nominated for her role in Channel 4's Big Mood – at the 2025 Bafta TV awards. Photograph: Ian West/PA Wire Gavin & Stacey's Ruth Jones beat Coughlan to triumph in the category for best female performance in a comedy. Coughlan had been nominated for her role in Channel 4's depression-themed Big Mood . Elsewhere, the Bafta for limited drama was awarded to ITV's Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, which has renewed public attention on UK subpostmasters who fought to clear their names following a scandal related to post office IT software. Mr Loverman actor Lennie James won the prize for leading actor, beating, among others, David Tennant for his performance in Rivals, Gary Oldman in Slow Horses and Richard Gadd in Baby Reindeer . [ A Deadly American Marriage review: Excruciating documentary gives Jason Corbett's killers Molly Martens and her father a platform and megaphone Opens in new window ] Gadd's co-star Jessica Gunning picked up the best supporting actress gong for her role in the dark comedy series by Netflix, which was nominated for four awards. The In Memoriam Bafta segment paid tribute to Kenneth Cope, Richard Chamberlain, William Russell, Brian Murphy, Linda Nolan, Michael Mosley, Timothy West, The Vivienne, Paul Danan, and Michelle Trachtenberg, among others who have died recently. The ceremony was opened by host and Scottish actor Alan Cumming, who referenced his presenting role on The Traitors US in a sketch with footage of him shown in the Scottish Highlands castle where the hit reality series takes place. The best single documentary Bafta went to the BBC's Ukraine: Enemy in the Woods, which follows Ukrainian soldiers fighting against Russia, while the current affairs award went to State of Rage, about Palestinian and Israeli families in the West Bank, from Channel 4. The international Bafta was won by Disney+ for Shogun, which focused on the scheming in 1600s Japan after the emperor dies and a traveller arrives from England, while Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour, about Rylan Clark and Robert Rinder exploring Italy, won the factual entertainment prize. [ Cannes 2025: Will Paul Mescal scoop an award, how will Bono's film go down, and 10 other questions Opens in new window ] The BBC documentary Ukraine: Enemy in the Woods, was made by London-based Hoyo Films, which had its programme Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone pulled from BBC iPlayer. The broadcaster is carrying out 'further due diligence with the production company', after it emerged that the film's child narrator is the son of Ayman Alyazouri, who has worked as Hamas's deputy minister of agriculture. Former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark received a standing ovation as she collected her Bafta fellowship, the body's highest accolade, and said she had seen the 'most joyous change in television', after 'the number of women in senior roles' increased. – PA
