TV BAFTAs 2018: Sue Perkins's Opening Monologue Falls Flat With Viewers

Sue Perkins got the TV BAFTAs off to an awkward start on Sunday (13 May) night, after her opening monologue fell flat.

Despite tackling a range of topics such as the gender pay gap, lack of female representation on screen and the Hollywood sexual harassment scandal, the presenter’s quips failed to draw many laughs from people watching at home.

Those on Twitter also noted how the audience at the Royal Festival Hall didn’t seem to rate it much either, with many jokes failing to land in the room.

The stilted audience response said it all. Deeply embarrassing rubbish.
— Iain Gordon (@lyeemoon) May 13, 2018

Now, I like @sueperkins but this opening monologue is really bad. I just hope that she didn't actually write this cliche filled tosh. 😟 #BAFTATV
— Graham Richardson (@secondalibi74) May 13, 2018

Sue is hard work tonight so seriously unfunny
Oh what else is on
— Andi Elizabeth (@AndiNicegrin) May 13, 2018

Between Sue Perkins' awful opening monologue and that booming voiceover as the winners walk onto stage, I can't see us watching the whole show. And why aren't the guest presenters announcing the shortlists as per every awards ceremony? Getting it all wrong, #BAFTATV. 😒
— Michelle Davies (@M_Davieswrites) May 13, 2018

Whoever chose Sue Perkins to host #BAFTATV should be sacked - absolutely horrific script/jokes - very embarrassing and cringe worthy 😣😣👊
— martyn folley (@FolleyMartyn) May 13, 2018

Not the best start from Sue Perkins 😳 #BAFTA
— Daniel Harper (@Dantastic1987) May 13, 2018

Well @sueperkins is dying on her arse presenting the BAFTA TV Awards on the BBC. No surprose there then. Pure cringe. Why give someone so unfunny such a big presenting role! 🙄 #BAFTATV
— Dave Hutch (@davehutch1980) May 13, 2018

And the #BAFTAs for worst opening monologue goes to..Sue Perkins ladies and gentlemen.
— Bob. B. (@Oirisheye) May 13, 2018

*Shakes my head at @sueperkins
Who wrote this cringeworthy script? She could do better. #BAFTATV
— Louise Edwards (@SpuddyLou) May 13, 2018

Is Sue Perkins a ‘comedian’? Cause if she is she’s really not very good at it.
— Gavin Rowett (@gavroost) May 13, 2018

Sue Perkins struggling to get many laughs tonight. Ouch! #BAFTATV
— Dan Wootton (@danwootton) May 13, 2018

Sue, you gotta work on your material love!
— Dean Spencer (@DEANX121) May 13, 2018

However, there were some who did enjoy it, praising Sue for tackling some of the tougher issues.

I’m loving Sue Perkins HILARIOUS opening on #BAFTATV! Female empowerment for the WIN ✌🏻
— Danielle (@watchingcIouds) May 13, 2018

“I suspect a couple of you have had a few lines of duty tonight” 😂😂😂 Sue Perkins nailing her opening monologue. #BAFTATV
— Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) May 13, 2018

Sue Perkins is killing it on the opening monologue for the #BAFTATV
— Kenny (@kennethwilsonuk) May 13, 2018

Sue Perkins opening monologue was great - what’s wrong with the audience? Seriously🙃
— Cat (@Cat1977) May 13, 2018

What? The only thing slow is the audience. A great opening Sue. Your observations are political and accurate ~ and funny. Great work. Once the audience wake up they’ll catch on to your quick wit and humour .
— Irene (@sarahsophiejack) May 13, 2018

I’m loving Sue Perkins HILARIOUS opening on #BAFTATV! Female empowerment for the WIN ✌🏻
— Danielle (@watchingcIouds) May 13, 2018

Whatever people thought of her opening monologue, Sue seemed to win everyone over later in the evening with a savage joke about Olly Murs.

After BBC News correspondent Kate Adie was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship for her war zone reporting, Sue referenced the singer’s infamous tweets he sent during last year’s Oxford Street terror scare.

“You just don’t get disaster zone reporting like that anymore. Well, not unless Olly Murs is trapped inside Selfridges that is,” she quipped.

Olly Murs tweeting s joke from Sue omg dying #BAFTATV pic.twitter.com/dFkPPrZrL7
— Ryan Love (@RyanJL) May 13, 2018

Sue Perkins has just redeemed herself with that @ollyofficial joke #BAFTATV
— Andrew McBride (@andrewmcb) May 13, 2018

Just heard the best joke so far on Bafta ceremony tonight, @sueperkins after presenting lifetime achievement award to Kate Adie, "you don't hear such good disaster zone reporting any more unless it's @ollyofficial at Selfidges" 😂 #BAFTAS
— Vivek Agarwal #FBPE (@dr_v_agarwal) May 13, 2018