Alan Cumming, the acclaimed Scottish actor, writer, and presenter, will host the BAFTA Television Awards for the first time on May 11, 2025. Cumming takes over from the popular duo of Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, who jointly helmed the ceremony for the past two years. The event will be held at London's prestigious Royal Festival Hall.
Emma Baehr, the executive director of awards and content at BAFTA, expressed enthusiasm about Cumming's upcoming role. "We’re delighted that Alan Cumming will be hosting this year’s BAFTA Television Awards with P and O Cruises. He will definitely bring a playful sense of mischief and fun to the ceremony, so audiences should expect the unexpected at Britain’s biggest celebration of TV on Sunday 11 May," she stated.
Cumming, known for his vibrant personality and versatile talent, is expected to inject fresh energy into the awards show, which celebrates excellence in British television. The nominations for the TV BAFTAs will be announced on Thursday, March 27, 2025, providing insight into the year's standout television productions.
Born in Perthshire, Cumming has built an impressive career across theatre and television. He shot to fame with his unforgettable performances, including his role in the acclaimed musical Cabaret, for which he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1998. His portrayal as the Emcee also earned him an Olivier nomination, showcasing his prominence in the theatrical scene. Cumming's accolades extend to his participation in popular series such as The Good Wife and his recent hosting stint on the American version of The Traitors.
Reflecting on his move back and forth between the US and the UK, Cumming mentioned his plans to spend more time in the UK moving forward: "My husband Grant and I are planning to split our time more between here and New York, rather than before we had a holiday home here. I've definitely been planning to do that just as a thing in my life, but also my work. I'm now doing The Traitors, so once a year I’m here for a month, and I made two films here last year. It’s almost like the universe is pulling me back."
Cumming's impressive body of work includes notable film roles in GoldenEye, Spy Kids, and X2: X-Men United, where he portrayed Nightcrawler, a character who became central to the film's narrative. His extensive experience in both film and television has made him a beloved figure within the entertainment industry.
His recent role in The Traitors has further solidified his status, which is particularly noteworthy given the American adaptation’s inclusion of reality stars alongside more traditional contestants. The show, filmed in the magnificent Scottish Highlands – a setting also shared by its British counterpart – features engaging elements like staged funerals for eliminated contestants, keeping the audience intrigued and entertained.
In addition to his television and film work, Cumming has taken a step back into the theatre by becoming the artistic director of the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. He continues to be a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, a cause he passionately supports and for which he was honored with an OBE in 2009. However, in a surprising move, Cumming publicly returned his OBE in 2023, citing his concerns over its association with the perceived toxicity of the British Empire.
The upcoming BAFTA Television Awards promise to be an engaging event, not just for its recognition of top talent in British television but also for the anticipation surrounding Alan Cumming's debut as host. With his rich history in the arts and a flair for the theatrical, audiences can expect a night full of excitement and celebration.
As the ceremony approaches, viewers are advised not to miss the broadcast of the BAFTA TV awards on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The showcase is set to honor the exceptional creativity and talent that thrives within the British television industry, making it an event marked on the calendar of all television enthusiasts.
