Viewers were left outraged after one of Britain’s most cherished stars was noticeably absent from the 2025 Bafta TV Awards’ In Memoriam segment.
Dame Maggie Smith, a national treasure known for her iconic roles in both film and television, was not included in the tribute honouring those the industry lost over the past year.
The omission occurred during the star-studded ceremony held on May 11 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, an annual celebration recognising the finest achievements in British television.
This year’s notable winners included Marisa Abela for Industry, Lennie James for Mr Loverman, Danny Dyer for Mr Big Stuff, and Ruth Jones for Gavin & Stacey.
Maggie Smith died in September at the age of 89GettyDuring the ceremony’s In Memoriam segment, French violinist Esther Abrami delivered a moving performance of Apple Tree as a backdrop to the tribute.
The segment recognised the contributions of several beloved actors, presenters, and public figures, including TV doctor and author Michael Mosley, EastEnders and The Bill actress Roberta Taylor, Going for Gold host Henry Kelly, Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, and Dr. Kildare and Shogun star Richard Chamberlain.
Coronation Street’s Timothy West and Man About the House actor Brian Murphy were also featured, following public backlash over their absence from the Bafta Film Awards earlier this year.
However, viewers were stunned to see that Smith, known for her award-winning role as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, was not included in the tribute. Also missing was Dame Joan Plowright, known for her role in Enchanted April, prompting further backlash online.
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Viewers were stunned to see that Smith, known for her award-winning role as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, was not included in the tribute
ITV
The likely reason for their omission is that both actresses were previously honoured during the Bafta Film Awards’ In Memoriam segment in February.
Traditionally, individuals best known for their work in film are commemorated during the film ceremony rather than the TV awards. Some viewers, however, took to social media to argue that the two stars deserved to be in the TV segment for their extensive TV work.
One person wrote on X: “Bafta TV Awards snubbed Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright, even if they are known mostly for film/theatre,”
Another wrote: “They did a lot of TV, especially in the early days when they did plays on TV and period dramas, especially Shakespeare. Maggie Smith was in iconic Downton Abbey. Plowright has a Golden Globe and Emmy for TV!”
Plowright was widely recognised for her roles in Dennis the Menace, 101 Dalmatians, The Entertainer, and Enchanted April
GETTY
Another commented: “#BAFTA2025 how were Dame Joan Plowright, Dame Maggie Smith and William Russell left out of the memorium, that's an oversight and a half.”
A third viewer called the move “disgusting”, writing: “They left out Dame Maggie Smith from the list of those who died during the last year. DISGUSTING. SHAME on you @BAFTA."
Another user chimed in: “#BAFTAS no mention of Dame Maggie Smith when remembering those who died in the last year. Shame on Bafta."
Smith sadly passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89. Over the course of her illustrious career, she earned two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award, among many other honours.
She was beloved around the world for her unforgettable portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, as well as her acclaimed performances in Downton Abbey and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Plowright passed away in January 2025. She was widely recognized for her roles in Dennis the Menace, 101 Dalmatians, The Entertainer, and Enchanted April.
