BAFTA TV Awards viewers have been left feeling ‘disgusted’ as a beloved star is snubbed from the In Memoriam segment – but there’s a good reason.
The star-studded ceremony was held at the Royal Festival Hall and hosted by Traitors US presenter
During the ceremony, French violinist Esther Abrami performed the song “Apple Tree”;;, as a tribute was paid to the TV careers of several actors, presenters and other notable figures.
Among them were TVdoctor Michael Moseley,andstarRoberta Taylor,Going for Goldhost Henry Kelly,Drag Race UK winner , andDr KildareandShogunactor Richard Chamberlain.
actor Timothy WestandMan About the Housestar Brian Murphywere also included – after their omission from the Bafta’s earlierthis year sparked criticism reported The Independent.
But fans were left unimpressed as they noticed that and star , and star of stage and screen had been missed from the list.
“NoMaggie Smith?? Feels like quite an oversight,”;; said one person on social media.
Another added: “They left out from the list of those who died during the last year. DISGUSTING. SHAME on you.”;;
“No mention of Dame Maggie Smith when remembering those who died in the last year. Shame on BAFTA,”;; stated another.
A furious viewer wrote: “Bafta TV Awardssnubbed Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright, even if they are know mostly for film/theatre.
“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 iconicDownton Abbey. Plowright has a Golden Globe and Emmy for TV!”;;
Another angry fan said: “No Maggie Smith tribute!! That’s outrageous!”;;
However, there was apparently good reason for them not to appear in the segment, as they had both received special tributes at the In Memoriam segment earlier this year.
Actors who are more closely associated with and known for their TV achievements are usually honoured at the TV event, while those whose roles are more aligned with movies are honoured at the Awards.
Dame Maggie Smith died in September 2024, aged 89 after an incredible sixty year career.
She won two Oscars: forThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodiein 1970 andCalifornia Suitein 1979.
She also played many brilliant characters from the formidable school teacher Jean Brodie, to Professor Minerva McGonagall in theHarry Potterseries to Violet Crawley in the ITV drama
, who retired in 2014 after becoming legally blind, died in January this year.
She was best known for her roles inDennis the Menace, 101 DalmatiansandThe Entertainer, as well asEnchanted April, which earned her an nomination in 1993.
She was also married to industry veteran .
