Baftas 2018: Joanna Lumley's Hosting Debut Receives Mixed Reviews

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Joanna Lumley received mixed reviews from fans, after making her debut as a Baftas host on Sunday (18 February) night.

Steering a huge awards ceremony is never easy and while many applauded the ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ star’s efforts, a number of viewers watching the ceremony at home were left unimpressed.

Guy Levy/BAFTA/REX/Shutterstock

Joanna kicked off the evening with a short monologue, highlight the work of some of the A-listers in the room for praise, while harmlessly poking fun at some of the others, including Hugh Grant.

“He played an egocentric actor,” she said, referencing his star turn in ‘Paddington 2’. “Don’t know how you did it, dahling... Well done!”

As the night went on, the TV legend was clearly comfortable in the role but it’s fair to say that some of the pre-written jokes fell a little flat:

Fantastic choice of @JoannaLumley to present #EEBAFTAs this year, perfect replacement for @stephenfry he did a great job.

— Jason Evans (@Jason_Evans1) February 18, 2018

As much as I love #JoannaLumley she was extremely uncomfortable to watch... Her awful script didn't help #BAFTAs2018

— Josh Clarke (@JoshJoshClarke) February 18, 2018

Thought Joanna Lumley was fantastic tonight. Her choice of words were marvellous and should present and narrate everything ever made. We all need Joanna Lumley in our lives! #BAFTAs

— John Saleh Price (@JSPrice_media) February 18, 2018

Sorry but I have to disagree. All she did was plug the next films people were going to be in. It was all rather bland. Bring back Stephen Fry

— jocelyne bia (@joss72) February 18, 2018

Wonderfully refreshing to see @JoannaLumley presenting the #BAFTAs this evening.

— Justin Hill (@Dark_Derek) February 18, 2018

Agree completely. #BAFTAs

Joanna Lumley, who I do love, was boring as hell. Needed someone funny to host it. https://t.co/T8mIR6Am2f

— Malcolm Tucker (@gorbalsgoebbels) February 18, 2018

I was willing it to be good with Joanna Lumley but blinking Nora, what a yawn. Brian Cranston injected some life in his bit, but largely over earnest reading prompters. Great people in the audience like Hugh Grant and Greta Gerwig didn't get to present either.

— Chloe Philip (@CloPhubo) February 18, 2018

Joanna Lumley has had a nightmare at the Bafta's. Genuinely could hear the stifled, pained giggles of the crowd at her "jokes". Really the best they could have done?

— Peter (@AFCBPETER) February 18, 2018

Allison Janney was a well deserved win ✅ and #JoannaLumley was a gracious host #EEBAFTAs

— 🥝Nathan McCuaig🥝 (@Bruce_Nathan) February 18, 2018

@BAFTA who wrote the terrible script it’s so cringeworthy watching terrible jokes by the likes of Joanna Lumley... ugh

— Mrs sooty O'Neill (@sooty_brayley) February 18, 2018

Can Joanna Lumley come back to do it all over again next year if she is available?
👍🌟🎬 #BAFTAs2018 #BAFTAs @BAFTA

— Ian Thomson (@IanThom61868878) February 18, 2018

None of Joanna Lumley’s jokes are landing it’s so 😬

— kid flash (@daisysjohnsns) February 18, 2018

One thing we can all agree on though, is that Joanna’s quip about the fact Rebecca Ferguson was wearing the same dress as her was expertly delivered.

“I hope you saw Rebecca and I are doing a twin dress thing,” she said. “It’s because we’re nearly the same age.”

Kudos to Joanna Lumley for poking fun at the same dress fiasco #BAFTAs

— Wendy Landreth (@toonbird) February 18, 2018

When Rebecca Ferguson comes out wearing the same dress as Joanna Lumley! 😂😂#BAFTAs

— Emma Cohen 🌈 (@Emma__Cohen) February 18, 2018

At least Joanna Lumley acknowledged the same dress thing there. #BAFTAs

— Tom Cantwell (@tombo_82) February 18, 2018

The night saw a number of fan favourites take home awards, with ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ winning five.

‘I, Tonya’ star Allison Janney also triumphed, in the Best Supporting Actress category, while Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Winston Churchill won him the Best Actor accolade. See the full list of winners here.

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