Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray has told GB News that Sunday night's BAFTAs "epitomised how low awards have sunk".
His comments come after actress Rebel Wilson received mixed reviews for her role in hosting the awards ceremony.
The star-studded ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall was hosted by the Pitch Perfect actress, who made risque jokes about the Duke of York, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the gender pay gap, her flop film Cats and her recent weight loss.
She also gave the middle finger to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Australian actress Wilson opened the awards by making jokes about her recent weight loss.
She took to the stage and said: “I might look a bit different from the last time you saw me here.”
Referring to a picture of her at the 2020 ceremony that appeared on screen, she added: “That was me two years ago and since then I’ve done quite a transformation – I hope JK Rowling still approves."
Wilson also quipped that she would be taking over from Daniel Craig as the next James Bond, adding: “Because of the gender pay gap I actually won’t be 007, I’ll be 004.5”
The star, who had promised she would not shy away from daring jokes, later added: “I was going to do a musical number as host – it was about Prince Andrew.
“It was on roller-skates. It was called Pizza Express but don’t worry, I’m not going to do it, I’m not going to sing – I’m saving my voice for the sequel to Cats.”
She also made a joke about the Sussexes ahead of showing the nominees for outstanding British film: “From drama to horror to fantasy, Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah had it all”.
Now, Patrick Murray, known most famously for playing Mickey Pearce in the hit series Only Fools and Horses, has said the awards "epitomised how low awards have sunk".
Ian West
Speaking to GB News he said: "I watched the BAFTAs last night and found it to be extremely cringeworthy.
"All those major winners who 'couldn't be there', but failed to mention why, epitomised how low these awards and the presentation ceremony has sunk.
"I remember when Only Fools and Horses was nominated and the award ceremony clashed with filming in Margate. No excuses here.
"The lads borrowed the chopper that was used to film the coach descending on Margate and flew into London straight after filming, making it in time for the prestigious presentation.
"The BAFTAs have now changed from a sincere celebration of excellence in the fields of film and television to an apology for its very existence."
The Duke of Cambridge, who is the president of Bafta, was absent from the ceremony this year but recorded a video message in which he congratulated those nominated and praised the work of Bafta’s breakthrough programme, a year-long mentoring and guidance initiative, saying it “helps people achieve their true potential”.
