BAFTA 2025 TV Awards: “Mr Loverman” and “Baby Reindeer” Dominate British Television’s Biggest Night

The 2025 British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs) took place on May 11, 2025  at London’s Royal Festival Hall, honoring the finest achievements in British television over the past year. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the  ceremony was broadcast live  on BBC, and featured emotional speeches and memorable wins across various categories.

“Mr Loverman” emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing top honors in two major categories. Lennie James secured his first BAFTA win in the Leading Actor category, marking a historic achievement for the BBC One drama. His deeply moving performance as a man navigating identity, love, and societal expectations stood out among a strong field of contenders.

British- Nigerian actor Ariyon Bakare also won his first BAFTA for Supporting Actor, a well-deserved recognition for his raw, emotional performance. In his acceptance speech, Bakare expressed gratitude to the show’s creators and paid tribute to those who struggled to embrace their identities: “This award stands on the shoulders of those who have come before me—those who were afraid to come out and be who they want to be. I hope you can feel as confident as we did when we made the show. Thank you, BAFTA. I am truly honored.”

Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” led the nominations with four nominations and continued its winning streak, securing Best Supporting Actress for Jessica Gunning. She received her award from Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty, stars of the hit limited TV series “Adolescence.” Gunning’s portrayal of an unsettling antagonist captivated both critics and audiences.

First time nominee Marisa Abela took home the Leading Actress award for her standout performance in BBC One’s “Industry,” which delved into  the high-stakes world of international finance. Her nuanced portrayal shone brightly amidst formidable nominees in the category. She was also nominated for the BAFTA Film Awards Rising Star category back in February, but lost to David Jonsson.

BBC One’s “Blue Lights” claimed victory in the highly competitive Drama Series category, standing out among nominees like “Sherwood,”  “Supacell,” and “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.” The gripping police drama has earned acclaim for its compelling storytelling and authentic portrayal of law enforcement challenges in Northern Ireland.

The Limited Drama award went to “Mr Bates vs The Post Office,” which also led the nominations with four in various categories, winning one. ITV1’s harrowing dramatization of one of the UK’s largest miscarriages of justice resonated deeply with audiences, edging out Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer,” “Lost Boys and Fairies,” and “One Day” for the win.

BBC One’s “EastEnders” continued its reign as Britain’s most beloved soap opera, winning the BAFTA for Best Soap. The series remains a cultural cornerstone in British television, known for its gripping storylines and iconic characters.

The BBC One panel show “Would I Lie To You?” secured the Entertainment Programme award, proving that its mix of humor and sharp storytelling continues to charm audiences year after year. Meanwhile Joe Lycett’s “Late Night Lycett” (Channel 4) earned him the BAFTA for Entertainment Performance, recognizing his unique comedic style and engaging approach to late-night television.

In the International Television category, the Japanese production “Shōgun” on FX took home the BAFTA for Best International Program. The epic historical drama, based on James Clavell’s novel, captivated audiences with its rich storytelling and masterful performances, cementing its place as one of the year’s standout television events.

See the list of winners here.