The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced that Tim Minchin will be opening and closing this year’s star-studded Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards 2020 with a special musical performance.
The internationally-acclaimed comedian, musician, actor and writer will open the show with an original track specially composed for the event, and will close with a performance of ‘Carry You’, which he composed for his TV series ‘Upright’.
Tim Minchin said: “I would very much like to be in a lovely theatre in beautiful London, dressed in an on-loan tuxedo, trying to stay sober enough to remember the lyrics I last-minute wrote for the opening of UK telly’s night of nights. As it is, I’ve pre recorded the song from Sydney in the 25-yr old tux I had in my closet, and I remembered the words fine because we filmed it in the morning, and neither the pandemic nor the high quality of affordable Australian wines have as yet driven me to AM drinking. (I’m incredibly honoured to have been asked and am excited to see how the whole thing is put together, given how very hard the BAFTAs folk have worked to make it special.)”
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, for the first time ever, the prestigious ceremony will take place behind closed doors - filmed at Television Centre - and will air on BBC One at 19:00 BST on Friday 31 July. Hosted by Richard Ayoade, the brand-new format promises to be a riveting show and will feature a range of exciting guest appearances. With Chernobyl, Fleabag, The Crown, Giri/Haji and The Virtues all leading the way with three nominations each, who will the big winners be on the night?
Ahead of the BBC One show, comedian Tom Allen is also announced today as host of the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Pre-Show, which will stream live on BAFTA’s social channels (YouTube, Twitter and Facebook) from 18:00 BST, leading up to the main event. Taking the place of the traditional red carpet programme, the show will feature interviews with nominees and celebrity guest presenters in-studio and via video link-up, including Jodie Comer, Stephen Graham, Mo Gilligan, Callum Turner, Glenda Jackson and Jamie Demetriou, among others.
Tom Allen said: “I’m delighted to be bringing you behind-the-scenes interviews at the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Pre-Show and can’t wait to help you celebrate this year’s wonderful TV talent before the big night. I bet BAFTA provide nice crisps too.”
Clare Brown, Director of BAFTA Production said: “We’re thrilled to have Tim Minchin performing two of his compositions during the ceremony, one written exclusively for the TV Awards, a ceremony that may look very different this year but will be as brilliantly entertaining as always. We’re also delighted to have Tom Allen hosting the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Pre-Show, which will feature chats with many of our nominees and other guests as the excitement builds ahead of the ceremony itself.”
Tune in to the to the Virgin Media BAFTAs on Friday 31 July from 19.00 BST on BBC One, and join the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Pre-Show live streamed from 18:00 BST on BAFTAs social channels (YouTube, Twitter and Facebook)
Picture: Damian Bennett
