In keeping with the theme set by QI when Sandi Toksvig replaced Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley will be stepping into Stephen’s shoes and presenting this year’s BAFTA Film Awards. Joanna will be the first woman to host since Mariella Frostrup co-presented with Stephen Fry in 2001. On announcing his departure Stephen said it was time to “let others take the Baftas on to new heights”.
Joanna said of her new BAFTA duties: “Honestly, how exciting is this?
“It’s just so unbelievably thrilling. Who thought I’d turn into Stephen Fry?
“I want to thank Bafta so much for asking me to do this. I said yes indecently quickly.”
The Ab Fab actor also noted she was glad “they chose me as a woman this year, because it’s 100 years since women got the vote – women over 30 I might add… which includes me”. Before suggesting women attending the awards ceremony might emulate the Golden Globes attendees who wore all black in solidarity with survivors os sexual abuse.
“Perhaps we will see this all black-gowned Baftas this year…But I think people can wear what they want. It’s going to be interesting to see how it works, anyway.”
The BAFTAs will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 18th February.
