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Richard Ayoade has been announced as the host of the upcoming TV Baftas, in a year with a few notable changes to the ceremony.
Back in March, it was revealed that Bafta had decided to postpone the annual ceremony, as a result of the
Coronavirus pandemic.
It has now been confirmed that they’ll be going ahead on 31 July, albeit with a couple of tweaks to the usual proceedings.For one thing, the event will be taking place “as closed studio, socially-distanced shows”, with winners accepting their awards virtually.
The event will also have a new host, with Graham Norton stepping aside to make way for comedian and presenter Richard Ayoade.
Summing up the feelings of many, Richard joked: “I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead.”
In a somewhat more detailed statement, Bafta’s chief executive Amanda Berry said: ’ 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.
“I am thrilled that Richard Ayoade will be hosting the Television Awards for the first time, with Stephen Mangan joining us for a ninth time to host the Television Craft Awards, with them at the helm both events are set to be great entertainment.
“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.”Graham returned as host of the TV Baftas in 2019, taking over from Joanna Lumley, whose two-year stint as presenter of the show garnered a mixed reaction from viewers.
Earlier this year, Graham hosted the film Baftas for the first time, which saw 1917 scooping the top prize of the night and taking home Best Picture.
The nominees for this year’s TV Baftas will be announced on Thursday 4 June at 7.30am.READ MORE: Renée Zellweger Had A Very Sweet Reaction To Hugh Grant's Bridget Jones Joke At The Baftas Rebel Wilson Has Baftas Audience In Stitches With Digs At Cats,
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