Written by Kianna Best on May 11, 2025. Posted in Awards and Festivals

BAFTA TV 2025: Mr Bates, Blue Lights and Breakout Stars Shine Bright

The 2025 BAFTA TV Awards spotlighted powerful storytelling and standout performances, with Mr Bates vs The Post Office and Blue Lights winning big in drama. Lennie James and Marisa Abela took leading actor honours, while Alma’s Not Normal and Mr Bigstuff led in comedy. Disney+'s Shōgun claimed Best International Programme, and Strictly's emotional moment with Chris McCausland won the public vote, capping off a memorable industry evening

 Photo by BAFTA/Scott Garfitt

The 2025 BAFTA Television Awards, held on May 11 at London's Royal Festival Hall and hosted by Alan Cumming, celebrated a diverse array of talent and storytelling in British television. The ceremony highlighted both established and emerging voices across genres, reflecting the industry's dynamic evolution.

ITV1's Mr Bates vs The Post Office emerged as a standout, securing the Best Limited Drama award. The series, filmed across various UK locations, also received a special award for its societal impact, highlighting the real-life postmasters' scandal.

BBC One's Blue Lights, set and filmed in Belfast, clinched Best Drama Series, praised for its authentic portrayal of rookie police officers navigating complex social dynamics.

 Ariyon Bakare accepts the Supporting Actor Award for 'Mr Loverman' (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

Lennie James was honored as Leading Actor for his role in Mr Loverman, while Marisa Abela won Leading Actress for her performance in Industry. Jessica Gunning received Best Supporting Actress for Baby Reindeer, and Ariyon Bakare took home Best Supporting Actor for Mr Loverman.

Danny Dyer accepts the Male Performance in a Comedy Programme Award for 'Mr Bigstuff'  (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

BBC Two's Alma's Not Normal won Best Scripted Comedy, with Sophie Willan's portrayal of Alma Nuthall earning acclaim. Danny Dyer secured Best Male Comedy Performance for Mr Bigstuff, and Ruth Jones won Best Female Comedy Performance for Gavin and Stacey: The Finale.

 Ashley Walters presents the Drama Series Award  (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

Joe Lycett was awarded Entertainment Performance for Late Night Lycett, while Would I Lie to You? won Best Entertainment Programme. In factual categories, Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour received Best Factual Entertainment, and Ukraine: Enemy in the Woods was honored as Best Single Documentary.

Disney+'s Shōgun won Best International Programme, reflecting the global appeal of high-quality international content.

Rylan Clark and Robert Rinder pose with the Factual Entertainment Award for 'Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour' (Photo by Kate Green/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

The P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award, voted by the public, was awarded to Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell's inspiring dance on Strictly Come Dancing, highlighting the show's emotional resonance.

Special awards were presented to journalist Kirsty Wark, who received the BAFTA Fellowship for her outstanding contribution to broadcasting. 

Host Alan Cumming presents the Fellowship Award to Kirsty Wark (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

Images courtesy of BAFTA