Drama, Dresses & Dyer: Inside the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards
The 2025 BAFTA TV Awards lit up London with glitz, powerful moments, and enough wardrobe changes to rival a fashion week runway. From heartfelt speeches to unexpected wins, this year’s ceremony was anything but predictable.
Stacey Solomon Turns Heads — in a Wedding Dress
TV personality Stacey Solomon made an unforgettable entrance — wearing a stunning reworked version of her 2022 wedding dress. The Sort Your Life Out star, nominated for two awards, explained her decision on Instagram: “Wearing it just once feels like a travesty.” The dress wasn’t just sentimental — it was on-brand, nodding to her love of upcycling and practical glam.
Alan Cumming’s Costume Carousel
Host Alan Cumming brought energy, elegance, and a wink of mischief. Kicking things off in a dramatic black morning suit with flowing white cape wings, he joked from The Traitors’ turret that hosting the Baftas was only “the 12th biggest honour” of his life — and warned of possible wardrobe malfunctions.
What followed was a masterclass in style evolution: a bold electric-blue suit with leopard print and corsage, a soft pink number beaded in silver, and a deep brown velvet finale. “I changed again, so sue me,” he teased the crowd — and no one minded.
Winners, Surprises & Standing Ovations
Danny Dyer proved his range by winning Best Male Comedy Performance for Mr Bigstuff. Known for his tough guy roles, he laughed: “Some people will be fuming… But I’ve earned it.” His joy doubled when he learned West Ham had just beaten Man Utd — with his future son-in-law Jarrod Bowen scoring.
Ruth Jones took home Best Female Comedy Performance for Gavin & Stacey: The Finale and hinted at more work with James Corden. “We nap a lot… but we do write too,” she smiled.
Meanwhile, Mr Loverman brought emotional depth to the stage. Lennie James called his role “the part of a lifetime,” and co-star Ariyon Bakare, visibly moved, recalled being homeless at 14. “You don’t think you’ll ever be here. I used to sneak in to watch half a play — I couldn’t afford a whole ticket.”
Both actors were ready to celebrate. “I’m getting wrecked,” James said. Bakare? “I’ll dance around my BAFTA like women around their handbags!”
TV That Sparked Change
Mr Bates vs The Post Office wasn’t just a winner — it was a wake-up call. Writer Gwyneth Hughes and producer Patrick Spence reminded the audience that many wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters still haven’t been compensated. Their plea: “Get the story out. It’s not over.”
BBC Breakfast, which also won for its coverage of the scandal, promised to keep telling those stories.
What’s Next for Our Screens?
Several stars dropped hints about what’s coming:
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Mr Loverman might not be as “limited” as it seems.
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Line of Duty could return — but Anna Maxwell Martin won’t be back due to streaming contracts.
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Shogun teased a second season with a 10-year time jump.
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Alma’s Not Normal won for Best Scripted Comedy but won’t get a third season — although a Christmas special may be on the cards.
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Clive Myrie, fresh off his win for Caribbean Adventure, is heading to Africa for season two. Dream guest? “The new Pope!”
Snubs & Shocks
Despite its popularity, The Traitors went home empty-handed. All three of its nominations fell through, with Best Reality going to Jury: Murder Trial, Channel 4’s court-based social experiment.
A Well-Earned Tribute
Journalist Kirsty Wark was honoured with the BAFTA Fellowship after leaving Newsnight in 2024. Though the program has been trimmed, Wark is confident in its future: “If Newsnight wasn’t there, they’d have to reinvent it. I’d bet £500 it’s safe.”
The 2025 BAFTAs proved that British television isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving. Whether it was about standing up for justice, laughing at ourselves, or celebrating unexpected heroes, the night delivered something for everyone — and gave us plenty to look forward to.
