Ten Unforgettable Moments From the Bafta TV Awards, Including Martin Lewis's Heartfelt Speech

A Night to Remember at the Bafta TV Awards

The Bafta TV Awards lit up London's Royal Festival Hall with an evening packed full of emotional speeches, unexpected reunions, dazzling fashion, and well-deserved recognition. As one of the most prestigious nights in British television, the ceremony delivered plenty of memorable moments — here are ten highlights you won't want to miss.

Martin Lewis Opens Up About a Difficult Past

Financial journalist and consumer champion Martin Lewis was honoured with a special Bafta award, recognising his decades-long career helping everyday people navigate their finances. Known primarily for his ITV programme, Lewis cheekily described the show as little more than "a PowerPoint presentation with a Q&A afterwards."

However, the mood quickly shifted as Lewis shared a deeply personal story. He recalled losing his mother at just 12 years old — a loss that left him largely housebound for six years. Standing on the Bafta stage, he reflected on how far he had come.

"For six years, barring school, I barely left the house, and now I'm picking up a Bafta," he said. "So to all of you out there struggling with your own demons, life can be transformed, it can get better."

In a lighter exchange backstage, reporters asked Lewis whether he had ever made an impulse buy — a question that drew a surprising response. He confessed to purchasing both a Van de Graaff generator and a theremin, two rather unconventional items that left many in the press room scrambling for a quick internet search.

Dame Mary Berry Receives the Bafta Fellowship

At 91 years old, beloved television cook Dame Mary Berry was presented with the Bafta Fellowship — the British Academy's most prestigious honour — in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to British television.

While Berry knew the award was coming, she admitted that waiting in the front row for her moment was anything but comfortable. "I listened to everybody giving the most wonderful speeches and laughs, but I kept thinking — it's going to be me soon," she told reporters backstage. "I hoped they'd laugh."

Her acceptance speech was both warm and moving. Berry took time to thank her three children, including her late son William, who passed away in 1989 at the age of 19. "William is in heaven, but I thank him," she said, drawing an emotional response from the audience.

Alan Carr and Paloma Faith Keep the Peace

Fans of Celebrity Traitors were treated to a real-life reunion on the Bafta red carpet when comedian Alan Carr crossed paths with singer Paloma Faith — the celebrity he infamously "murdered" during the show's first series, despite the pair being close friends off screen.

Rather than any awkwardness, the two smiled and posed cheerfully for photographs together, prompting Bafta's official X account to post: "Breaking news: Alan Carr and Paloma Faith are still friends."

Host Greg Davies acknowledged the drama inside the ceremony with his trademark dry wit. "Celebrity Traitors managed to turn Alan Carr into a manipulative serial killer," he said, before adding, "We all know he's a good person." Seated right beside Carr, Faith grinned and playfully wagged her finger at the camera.

The night ended on a high note for Carr, who collected the Memorable Moments award for the scene in which he outsmarted his fellow finalists. In his acceptance speech, he saved his final words for Faith: "I dedicate this to Paloma — there's no one else I would rather murder more than you. I love you."

The Danny Dyer Double Act Takes the Stage

One of the evening's most charming moments came courtesy of a true family affair. Actor Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani — a familiar face from Love Island — took to the stage together to present the award for Best Reality Show.

Danny wasted no time poking fun at himself, quipping: "Two Danny Dyers at the Baftas. Do you know how people tell us apart? My chins." Dani's response was equally endearing: "I love your chins, dad."

Backstage, Danny was asked how it felt to have gained a new generation of admirers thanks to his role in Disney+'s Rivals. His response was characteristically honest. After pausing to ask what Gen Z actually means, he dismissed the heartthrob label with a laugh. "It's more older women, in their 40s," he said with a grin.

Netflix's Adolescence Dominates the Awards

Beyond the individual highlights, Netflix drama Adolescence proved to be the big winner of the evening, picking up multiple awards throughout the night. The critically acclaimed series continued its remarkable awards season run, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about productions in recent British television history.

From heartfelt tributes to sharp one-liners and unexpected confessions, the Bafta TV Awards once again proved why it remains one of the most compelling nights on the British entertainment calendar.