A number of viewers have been left fuming following Alan Cumming’s hosting stint at Sunday night's Bafta TV Awards, with his jokes and conduct sparking heated debate.
The star-studded ceremony, held on May 11 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, is an annual celebration of the best in British television, and Cumming was hosting for the very first time.
This year’s winners included Marisa Abela for Industry, Lennie James for Mr Loverman, Danny Dyer for Mr Big Stuff, and Ruth Jones for Gavin & Stacey.
Cumming, 60, best known as the host of The Traitors US, is an accomplished actor in his own right but was on hand to keep things moving rather than mingle with the celebs.
Dressed in a shiny blue suit paired with a leopard-print shirt, the presenter kicked off the ceremony with a series of cheeky innuendos
BBC
His accolades include a Bafta Scotland award for Outstanding Contribution to Film and TV, two Emmys for The Traitors, two Tony Awards, for Cabaret in 1998 and A Strange Loop in 2022, and an Olivier Award for Accidental Death of an Anarchist in 1991.
Despite his impressive CV, Cumming’s performance as Bafta host seems to have rubbed some viewers the wrong way.
Dressed in a shiny blue suit paired with a leopard-print shirt, the presenter kicked off the ceremony with cheeky innuendos, notably saying: “I’m popping my Bafta cherry with you all tonight. So, be gentle, Britain.”
He went on to read from a children’s storybook, humorously highlighting frequent missteps actors make during acceptance speeches, such as overcrowding the stage and dragging out their thank-yous.
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The presenter switched up his wardrobe multiple times over the course of the evening
BBC
However, a few jokes fell flat. One roped in Daniel Mays for an underwhelming gag, while another compared a cast member of Rivals' anatomy to that of a horse.
While much of Cumming’s opening monologue was met with chuckles from the audience inside the venue, reactions online told a different story, with many viewers quick to voice their disapproval.
“Alan Cumming was as bad as I thought he'd be," one viewer slammed on X before another added: “Alan Cumming making it increasingly difficult to carry on watching this.”
A third questioned the choice of host entirely, asking: “Of all the brilliantly funny hosts in a very large talent pool, you choose Alan Cumming? Why?”
A fourth viewer simply stated: “This host is ridiculously bad.”
His final outfit of the night was a rich, dark brown velvet suit, closing out his bold fashion showcase
BBC
Cumming’s bold fashion choices also sparked commentary.
The presenter switched up his wardrobe multiple times over the course of the evening, beginning with a striking black morning-style suit featuring white cape details that resembled angel wings.
For his opening monologue, he changed into the sparkly blue ensemble, before later returning to the stage in a pale pink suit adorned with beaded floral designs.
His final outfit of the night was a rich, dark brown velvet suit, closing out his bold fashion showcase.
Our spectacular host Alan Cumming has arrived ✨#BAFTATVAwards with @pandocruises pic.twitter.com/pUEPud4nWe
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) May 11, 2025
One user on X wrote: “What on earth is Alan Cumming wearing at the Baftas? That suit is terrible.”
Another remarked: “WTF is Alan Cumming wearing. He looks like a mash-up between Del Boy and Elton John.”
However, others were delighted at Cumming’s performance. “Alan Cumming has been a superb host of #BAFTAS - let’s book him again next year please”, one person wrote.
Another added: “So far, this has been one of the best Baftas. Alan Cumming is brilliant, doesn’t drone on for too long and is genuinely entertaining. Great speeches too. They’ve got it spot on.”
