Baftas 2019: Joanna Lumley's Opening Jokes Fail To Land As Viewers Savage Script

People were loving her Patsy Stone-inspired look, however.
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Sunday night’s Baftas may have opened with a performance to mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, but sadly that didn’t seem to help host Joanna Lumley with landing a joke.

The host’s quips failed to set either the Royal Albert Hall or social media alight as she opened the ceremony with a tongue-in-cheek roll call of who was in attendance.

Joanna seemed to have been let down by her scriptwriters as her jokes fell flat with the A-list audience, who remained almost silent throughout her monologue.

Joanna Lumley's jokes failed to raise many laughs at the Baftas
Joanna Lumley's jokes failed to raise many laughs at the Baftas
BBC

But given we all know what a comedy legend Joanna is, it was her script writer who bore the brunt of criticism on social media...

Joanna Lumley backstage to whoever wrote this opening monologue #baftas pic.twitter.com/EOdcJ2UzTT

— Shaun Kitchener (@ShaunKitchener) February 10, 2019

I love Joanna Lumley, but not quite sure the script writer quite got the measure of her style in this monologue.

I can say this as I'll certainly never be up for a Bafta

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) February 10, 2019

God, who wrote these lines? Joanna Lumley is dying up there... #Baftas

— Thomas (@notmyconcern) February 10, 2019

I love Joanna Lumley but she needs a better joke writer because this is excruciating #EEBAFTAs #BAFTA pic.twitter.com/YOK6gLa5o2

— Hanna Ines Flint (@HannaFlint) February 10, 2019

God will Joanna Lumley stop making terrible jokes at the BAFTAS, it is excruciating

— Frances Bellord (@FrancesBellord) February 10, 2019

Wow. Joanna Lumley is failing to land every single joke. Truly painful... #BAFTA pic.twitter.com/uWMANVuphK

— igmorrison (@igmorrison) February 10, 2019

I love Joanna Lumley but for next year's #BAFTAs can we get her some joke writers worthy of her talent please?

— James Wilson-Taylor (@mrjaytee) February 10, 2019

Oh my!! I ADORE Joanna Lumley but who on earth is responsible for her dire script!!!! I’m cringing!! #bafta

— Denise Welch (@RealDeniseWelch) February 10, 2019

Who wrote these opening jokes?! Joanna Lumley deserves better. #BAFTA

— Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) February 10, 2019

Jeez, who wrote these jokes for Joanna Lumley? This is a train wreck. 🙈 #BAFTAs2019

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 10, 2019

I love Joanna Lumley but WHO has written her script ?#tumbleweed #sheisworthbetter

— dawn wilson (@dawnoflincoln) February 10, 2019

Whoever is responsible for Joanna Lumley's script tonight must never be allowed to put pen to paper ever again. Diabolical!

— Lindsay Wilkinson (@GrebeWilkinson) February 10, 2019

Whoever wrote Joanna Lumley introduction jokes at @BAFTA awards should get a sense of humour. Terrible jokes. Embarrassing for her, her audience and the watching world.

— Nick Driftwood (@NickDriftwood) February 10, 2019

Oh my lord, whoever wrote Joanna Lumley’s jokes needs to kiss their future BAFTA ambitions goodbye. Shockingly bad. #BAFTAs #baftas2019

— Paul Benson (@PJBenson82) February 10, 2019

Joanna Lumley #BAFTAs2019 pic.twitter.com/2INt6rScGC

— Scott Parrish (@ScottLFC10) February 10, 2019

One thing people were loving a whole lot more was Joanna’s Absolutely Fabulous-inspired look as she hosted the awards.

Many were delighted to see her looking remarkably similar to her character in the classic BBC sitcom, Patsy Stone.

Joanna Lumley is such a good fit for the BAFTAs, and I love that she has come dressed as Patsy Stone #BAFTAs pic.twitter.com/b8uqEXZAiW

— Ruth (@Starr_Hays) February 10, 2019

Absolutely loving that Joanna Lumley has done her hair in true Patsy Stone style tonight #BAFTAS

— Corey Kitchener (@CoreyKitchener) February 10, 2019

Joanna Lumley looks like she has stolen Patsy Stone’s wardrobe and I’m all for it #BAFTA

— Megan (@WhoisMegan_) February 10, 2019

I’m vibing Joanna’s Patsy look tonight. SHE IS FIERCE #Bafta2019 pic.twitter.com/0YWuc15zMW

— Vicky Chandler (@VickyChandler) February 10, 2019

Joanna Lumley has gone full Patsy. I adore her. #BAFTA

— hannah (@hannaahjane) February 10, 2019

Joanna Lumley has her Patsy bob!! Cheers sweetie🥂 #eebafta 🎭

— Jamie Halliwell (@ShadyEuroFreak) February 10, 2019

It was Joanna’s second year at the helm of the show, having succeeded Stephen Fry as host last year.

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