BAFTA TV Awards 2024: British Drama Dominates London Night
The 2024 BAFTA TV Awards dazzled at London’s Royal Festival Hall, bringing Britain’s TV elite together for a star-studded celebration. Comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan hosted the glitzy ceremony, packed with laughs, heartfelt moments, and well-deserved honours.
The Big Winners
Three powerhouse dramas ruled the night, sweeping major awards and stealing the spotlight:
- Happy Valley: The gritty Yorkshire thriller by Sally Wainwright triumphed. Sarah Lancashire, starring as tough Sergeant Catherine Cawood, snagged the Leading Actress award for a raw, riveting performance that gripped audiences nationwide.
- Top Boy: This intense Hackney-set saga about drug dealers won Best Drama Series. Jasmine Jobson’s fierce role as Jaq Lawrence earned her the Best Supporting Actress gong, marking a career highlight for the rising star.
- The Sixth Commandment: Veteran Timothy Spall took home Leading Actor for his haunting role in this gripping drama. His emotional speech reflected on the power of storytelling and acting’s strange, beautiful magic.
Timothy Spall’s Touching Speech
“Acting is a silly, soppy thing—pretending to be someone and wearing costumes,” Spall said. “But sometimes, we get to play characters who’ve endured pain and sought love. It’s about crimes, yes, but also about love. When it makes a difference, even if acting seems absurd, it’s truly lovely.”
He added with a grin, “At sixty-seven, I wonder if I should still be doing this. But tonight, holding this award, I feel like I’ve finally arrived.”
Stars Shine Bright: Sarah Lancashire’s Heartfelt Thanks
“Thank you, BAFTA—it’s an honour,” Lancashire said. “I stand proud alongside my fellow nominees who inspire me each day. Sally Wainwright, your West Yorkshire crime drama has been a gift. To my brilliant co-actors, thank you for sharing this journey. And to the BBC for giving our very British drama a very British home, I’m forever grateful.”
Other Top Wins of the Night
- Supporting Actress: Jasmine Jobson (Top Boy)
- Supporting Actor: Matthew Macfadyen (Succession)
- Entertainment Programme: Strictly Come Dancing
- Comedy Entertainment: Rob Beckett & 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)
A Star-Studded Night to Remember
The 2024 BAFTA TV Awards showcased Britain’s finest, honouring gripping dramas, dazzling entertainment, and compelling storytelling. As stars mingled and celebrated their craft, the event confirmed once again why British television remains a global powerhouse of creativity and talent.
