A TRAITORS’ star is set to replace David Tennant as BAFTAs host in a shock shake-up.
The prestigious awards ceremony, which has been hosted by for the last two years, is set to be taken on by a huge star who is a familiar face to fans of the hit game show.
Alan Cumming has been announced as the host of the BAFTA Film Awards in 2026, raking over from David TennantCredit: PA
The eccentric Scot is a BAFTA winner himself, and takes the reins at the prestigious ceremony amid his huge Traitors successCredit: BBC
David Tennant, who also threw his hat into game show host duties with ITV’s The Genius Game, departs his BAFTAs presenting gig after two yearsCredit: Getty
who hosts US, will be taking on presenting duties at next year’s BAFTA Awards, which will take place at the Royal Festival Hall in .
will take the reins at the ceremony, which marks one of the biggest nights of the year in the film industry.
“How exciting to be back in the Bafta fold”, Alan said ahead of the announcement. “this time hosting the Bafta Film Awards, a night like no other when we celebrate and honour creativity and craftsmanship – and also hopefully have a laugh and create some mischief as we do so!”
The Good Wife actor is himself a BAFTA winner, as a recipient of the Scottish BAFTA’s Outstanding Contribution To Film & Television gong in 2018.
He also picked up a Scottish BAFTA nomination back in 1993 for his role in British drama Prague.
Alan has notched up a number of other prestigious accolades, including two Tony Awards, a Laurence Olivier Award, along with Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
But his work on The Traitors US has brought him back into international stardom.
His performance on the series, which has become a huge ratings success, landed him FOUR consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards.
He picked up Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program, and Outstanding Reality Competition Program in both 2024 and 2025.
Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content at BAFTA, said: “With his sharp wit, warmth and vibrant energy, we are beyond excited that Alan Cumming will be hosting this year’s EE BAFTA Film Awards.
“As we honor the outstanding talent in film that brings stories to life on screen, we know that Alan will give us an unforgettable night full of laughter, magic and plenty of surprises, and maybe some extraordinary outfits!”
Alan replaces actor , who took on hosting duties in both 2024 and 2025.
David’s hosting duties ended after this year’s ceremony, which saw his performance and “awful” jokes critically panned.
The EE BAFTA Film Awards comprises of 25 competitive categories, which are decided by voting members.
The awarding body represents the largest in the UK for film, games and TV – with almost 14,000 creatives from all corners of screen industry – both in the UK and overseas.
Round one of voting for the EE Bafta Film Awards opened on December 5.
The longlists in all 25 categories will be revealed on January 9, with nominations to follow on January 27.
David Tennant hosted the ceremony in 2024 and 2025, but critics panned his “awful” jokes and performanceCredit: Getty
The EE Rising Star Award, the only category voted for by the public, will announce its nominees on January 14.
Winners will be revealed at the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on February 22, which will be broadcast live on and .
Meanwhile, Alan is expected to return to screens early next year for the upcoming series of The Traitors US.
The American version of the popular murder-mystery game show differs slightly from the UK, as it features celebs in its casting.
Meanwhile, The Traitors UK separates its civilian show from its Celebrity Traitors spin-off.
The Traitors US, which features a star-studded cast including and ‘s mum Donna Kelce, is set to air for Stateside audiences on January 8.
It is not yet known when the series will air in the UK, but scheduled programme will be streaming on BBC iPlayer some time early next year.
Alan will appear on screens in January as The Traitors US kicks off another highly anticipated seriesCredit: Getty
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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