“Playing the role of Ali G has been such a challenge,” the spoof star joked in a mock Shakespearean accent on Sunday night. The comedian accepted a pair of trophies for Best Comedy Series and Best Comedy Performance at the annual British Academy of Film & Television Awards, matching fellow Channel 4 star Graham Norton’s two wins.
So Graham Norton was named Best Entertainment Programme, and the chat show host himself was singled out for Best Entertainment Performance. “I’m thrilled. I didn’t expect it – I don’t think anyone did,” Graham said. “I’m so pleased the show has won a prize. It’s brilliant.”
Channel 4 walked off with 11 trophies in all, topping the venerable BBC, who, despite having the most nominations, managed just six wins. Despite the Beeb’s lacklustre performance, the network’s director of drama and entertainment, Alan Yentob, was delighted: “The resounding success of Clocking Off, the remarkable Care and the accolade for Ruth Caleb and Dame Judi Dench proved that the BBC is still paramount in this genre.” Dame Judi was named Best Actress for the BBC co-production The Last Of The Blonde Bombshells for which she previously won a Golden Globe.
ITV soap Emmerdale was named Best Soap, beating out the BBC’s EastEnders and Channel 4’s Hollyoaks.
More than 1,500 celebrities and industry professionals including Chicago star Denise Van Outen and Dog Eat Dog beauty Ulrika Jonsson gathered at London’s Grosvenor House hotel as Inspector Morse star John Thaw was presented with a Bafta fellowship, the organisation’s top honour. Big Brother took home the Innovation Award and Coronation Street received a special award for their outstanding 40-year run.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
