Richard Ayoade to host BAFTA TV Awards
- Richard Ayoade has been revealed as the new host of the BAFTA Television Awards
- The results will be broadcast on BBC One on Friday 17th July, with winners accepting their awards virtually
- The star of The IT Crowd jokes: "I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead"
Richard Ayoade has been announced as the new host of the British Academy Television Awards.
The star of The IT Crowd takes over from Graham Norton, who stepped down after last year's ceremony.
The BAFTA TV Awards 2020 were originally scheduled for the spring, but were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They'll now take place on Friday 31st July and will be broadcast as-live on BBC One later that evening.
Meanwhile it has been revealed the British Academy Television Craft Awards - which honour those who work behind the camera - will take place on Friday 17th July, and broadcast as-live through BAFTA's social channels.
BAFTA says: "In accordance with current restrictions, both Awards will take place as closed studio, socially-distanced shows, with nominees invited to accept their awards virtually."
Nominations for both sets of awards will be announced on Thursday 4 June, at 7:30am.
Richard Ayoade jokes: "I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead."
Meanwhile Stephen Mangan, who will host the Craft Awards for the 9th time, says: "I'm absolutely delighted to be hosting the BAFTA Craft Awards again - handing out our industry's highest accolades to the people who make this country's television world-leading. The format might have to change a little this year but nothing will stop me putting on black tie and celebrating their success."
Amanda Berry, chief executive at BAFTA, comments: "We are delighted to confirm the new dates and formats for both the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards and the British Academy Television Craft Awards this year.
"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."
Kate Phillips from the BBC adds: "I'm really pleased we're able to bring the BAFTA TV Awards 2020 to BBC One in July. As always they will celebrate the best of British TV throughout the year, as well highlight the great programming and memorable moments that have entertained so many throughout recent tough times."