TODAY’S PAPER | March 23, 2026 | EPAPER

Greg Davies to host 2026 BAFTA TV Awards following Alan Cumming’s film ceremony controversy

Comedian Greg Davies will host the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards, taking over from Alan Cumming


Pop Culture & Art March 23, 2026 1 min read

Greg Davies has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards. The comedian, known for playing Mr. Gilbert in The Inbetweeners and hosting Channel 4’s Taskmaster, will preside over the ceremony on Sunday, May 10, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, with a broadcast later on BBC One and iPlayer.

Davies said he was “thrilled to be presenting” and described the event as an opportunity “to wave a flag for this beloved medium.” He added that, aside from a few personal disagreements with industry colleagues, he intends to ensure the evening is “a night of warm celebration for all.”

The 2026 ceremony follows heightened attention after the BAFTA Film Awards faced controversy when a racial slur from campaigner John Davidson was inadvertently aired. Alan Cumming, who hosted the film awards, publicly apologised on Instagram, expressing regret for the incident and acknowledging the pain caused to both the Black and Tourette’s communities.

The nominees for the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards have yet to be announced, but Davies’s appointment has already generated excitement among fans and industry insiders. His comedic style and hosting experience are expected to bring a lighter, celebratory tone to the ceremony while maintaining BAFTA’s prestige.

This marks a high-profile addition to Davies’s career, reinforcing his position as one of the UK’s most versatile performers capable of blending comedy with live television presentation.

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