The glittering night of the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards delivered powerful drama, emotional victories, and a few unexpected twists as Britain’s top talent post gathered at Royal Festival Hall to celebrate the year’s most compelling television.
Justice Drama Dominates: Mr Bates vs The Post Office
The night’s most resonant winner was post Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which not only walked away with the coveted Best Limited Drama award but also received a rare Special Award, underscoring the series’ immense social impact. The show, dramatizing one of the UK’s most shocking miscarriages of justice, continues to drive public and political discourse.
Breakout Success: Blue Lights and Mr Loverman
BBC’s Blue Lights was named Best Drama Series, cementing its place as a breakout hit thanks to its gripping depiction of rookie police officers navigating the tense streets post of Belfast. Meanwhile, Mr Loverman, the adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s novel, also triumphed—earning Lennie James post the Leading Actor award and Ariyon Bakare the Supporting Actor nod for their nuanced, poignant performances.
Star Power: Marisa Abela and Jessica Gunning
Rising star Marisa Abela claimed Leading Actress for her role in Industry, delivering one of the evening’s most heartfelt speeches. Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, which entered the ceremony with high expectations, took home just one award—Supporting Actress for Jessica Gunning’s haunting performance.
Laughter and Legacy in Comedy Categories
Comedy had its moments too, with Alma’s Not Normal winning Best Scripted Comedy. Danny Dyer’s spirited performance in Mr Bigstuff earned him post Best Male Comedy Performance, bringing roars of laughter and a touch of East End swagger to the stage. Ruth Jones added a nostalgic twist, post taking home Best Female Comedy Performance for her return in post Gavin & Stacey: The Finale.
Global Glory: Shōgun Takes International Prize
The international spotlight fell on Disney+’s Shōgun, which took Best post International Programme, further solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.
Honours and Highlights: Kirsty Wark and Strictly’s Moment
Veteran broadcaster Kirsty Wark was honoured with the BAFTA post Fellowship, a standing ovation marking her decades of contributions to journalism and public service broadcasting. And in a moment voted for by the public, the emotional waltz by Strictly Come Dancing’s Dianne Buswell and post Chris McCausland to “You’ll Never Walk Alone” won the Memorable Moment award.
Surprises and Snubs: Baby Reindeer and More
Despite its accolades and buzz, Baby Reindeer’s limited success in the winners’ circle sparked industry chatter. Other high-profile absences from the podium included The Traitors and Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, which left empty-handed despite critical acclaim.
Celebrating the Best of British TV
The 2025 BAFTA Television Awards reflected the strength and range of British storytelling—from socially charged dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies—affirming television’s power to inform, inspire, and ignite conversation long after the credits roll.
