The prestigious 2024 BAFTA TV Awards unfolded in all its glitz and glamour at London’s Royal Festival Hall, where the crème de la crème of British television gathered to celebrate outstanding achievements in the industry. Hosted by the dynamic duo of comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, the evening was a delightful blend of talent, emotion, and recognition.
The Big Winners
Three British dramas stole the spotlight, leaving an indelible mark on the awards night:
- Happy Valley: This gripping Yorkshire-set thriller, masterfully crafted by writer Sally Wainwright, clinched the top honours. The brilliant Sarah Lancashire, who portrayed the no-nonsense Sergeant Catherine Cawood, took home the coveted Leading Actress award. Lancashire’s performance resonated with viewers, capturing the essence of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Top Boy: The raw and intense drama series about the lives of two drug dealers on a Hackney estate secured the title of Best Drama Series. Jasmine Jobson, who played the fierce Jaq Lawrence, was crowned Best Supporting Actress for her compelling portrayal.
- The Sixth Commandment: Veteran actor Timothy Spall emerged victorious as the Leading Actor for his role in this thought-provoking drama. Spall’s heartfelt acceptance speech touched on the beauty of storytelling, the human condition, and the transformative power of acting.
Timothy Spall’s Reflections
In a candid moment, Spall shared his thoughts on the acting profession: “Acting is a silly, soppy thing—pretending to be someone and donning costumes. But sometimes, we get to embody characters who’ve experienced profound pain and sought love. It’s about crimes, yes, but also about love. And when it makes a difference, even though acting seems absurd, it’s truly lovely.”
He humorously added, “At sixty-seven, I wonder if I should still be doing this. But tonight, holding this award, I feel like I’ve finally arrived.”
Sarah Lancashire’s Gratitude
Sarah Lancashire expressed her gratitude: “Thank you, Bafta—it’s an honour. I stand alongside my fellow nominees, whose tremendous work inspires me. Sally Wainwright, your crime drama set in West Yorkshire has been a gift. To my brilliant co-actors, thank you for sharing this journey with me. And to the BBC, for giving our very British drama a very British home, I am forever thankful.”
Other Notable Winners
The BAFTA TV Awards recognised excellence across various categories:
- Supporting Actress: Jasmine Jobson (Top Boy)
- Supporting Actor: Matthew Macfadyen (Succession)
- Entertainment Category: Strictly Come Dancing
- Comedy Entertainment: Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan (Rob & Romesh VS)
- Short Form: Mobility (BBC Three)
- Specialist Factual: White Nanny, Black Child (Channel 5)
- Factual Series: Lockerbie (Sky Documentaries)
- Reality: Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix)
- Live Event Coverage: Eurovision Song Contest 2023 (BBC One)
- Sports Coverage: Cheltenham Festival Day One (ITV)
- And many more!
A Night of Celebration
As the stars mingled, exchanged stories, and celebrated their craft, the 2024 BAFTA TV Awards underscored the richness and diversity of British television. From gripping dramas to dazzling entertainment, this night will linger in the hearts of those who create, watch, and cherish exceptional storytelling.
