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Richard Ayoade has been announced as the host of the upcoming TV Baftas, in a year with a few notable changes to the ceremony.
Back in March, it was revealed that Bafta had decided to postpone the annual ceremony, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
It has now been confirmed that they’ll be going ahead on 31 July, albeit with a couple of tweaks to the usual proceedings.
For one thing, the event will be taking place “as closed studio, socially-distanced shows”, with winners accepting their awards virtually.
The event will also have a new host, with Graham Norton stepping aside to make way for comedian and presenter Richard Ayoade.
Summing up the feelings of many, Richard joked: “I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead.”
In a somewhat more detailed statement, Bafta’s chief executive Amanda Berry said: ’ 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.”
Graham returned as host of the TV Baftas in 2019, succeeding Sue Perkins, who had hosted the previous two years.
Earlier this year, Graham hosted the film Baftas for the first time, taking over from Joanna Lumley, whose two-year stint as presenter of the show garnered a mixed reaction from viewers.
The nominees for this year’s Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards will be announced on Thursday 4 June at 7.30am.