BAFTA TV Awards 2020 to be hosted behind closed doors by Richard Ayoade

BAFTA has announced its annual TV awards will be taking place behind closed doors this year, and will be hosted by Richard Ayoade.

The awards were due to go ahead 17 May, but were postponed due to the growing nature of the coronavirus pandemic.

Proceedings will now go ahead in July, with IT Crowd star Ayoade will host the show from a closed studio, whilst nominees will be invited to accept their awards virutally.

First-time presenter Ayoade said that: ‘I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead.’

You took the words right out of our mouth…

The BAFTA TV craft awards will also be aired, having been due to take place during April, and will be hosted by comedian Stephen Mangan for the ninth time.

‘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 Episodes actor said.

‘The format might have to change a little this year, but nothing will stop me putting on black tie and celebrating their success.’

BAFTA’s Chief Executive Amanda Berry said that the news would make sure that the awards can still ‘celebrate’ the achievements of TV during this troubled time.

‘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,’ she announced.

‘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.’

BAFTA TV Awards 2020 come to BBC One 31 July.

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