The road to the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards officially began in spectacular fashion this week, as the industry’s brightest stars gathered in London for the annual Nominees Party.
While the evening is designed to celebrate creative achievement, it was Amanda Holden who commanded the headlines, leading a glamour-heavy red carpet that signaled the start of British TV’s most prestigious season.
At 55, Amanda Holden continues to redefine “ageless” style. The Britain’s Got Talent judge and Heart Radio host arrived at the London venue in a breathtaking, sheer black evening gown that masterfully balanced risk and elegance.
The dress featured a sophisticated halterneck with a plunging V-front, accented by delicate black lace detailing that emphasized a high-fashion, sultry silhouette.
Holden wasn’t alone in her star power; she arrived alongside her close friend and Spanish Job co-star Alan Carr, 49, who looked sharp in a classic grey suit.
The duo, currently nominated for Best Entertainment Performance, shared several lighthearted moments with photographers before heading inside to join their fellow nominees.
Other notable fashion moments included Amandaland star Lucy Punch, who opted for a modern black PVC aesthetic, and a radiant Georgina Castle, who proudly showed off her baby bump in a sheer ensemble.
Jodie Whittaker (nominated for Leading Actress in Toxic Town) provided a vibrant contrast to the sea of black, arriving in a striking pink outfit.
While the red carpet provided the sparkle, the talk of the night was the overwhelming critical success of Adolescence.
The limited drama, a collaborative masterstroke from actor Stephen Graham and writer Jack Thorne, has secured a staggering 11 nominations.
The series, which tackles the harrowing influence of the online “manosphere” through the eyes of a teenager found guilty of murder, is up for Limited Drama and multiple acting gongs.
Stephen Graham finds himself in a heavyweight “Leading Actor” category alongside Colin Firth (Lockerbie), Matt Smith (The Death of Bunny Munro), and Taron Egerton (Smoke).
The depth of the show’s cast is further proven in the supporting categories, where 16-year-old breakout star Owen Cooper will compete against his co-star Ashley Walters.
Erin Doherty also faces a unique double-threat night, nominated for her lead role in A Thousand Blows and her supporting performance in Adolescence.
A “Creative Peak”: BBC, Netflix, and Disney+ Battle for Supremacy
The 2026 nominations reflect a golden age for British broadcasting, though the BBC remains the undisputed king of content.
The corporation leads the field with 73 nominations, bolstered significantly by the cultural juggernaut The Celebrity Traitors.
Host Claudia Winkleman remains a favorite for Entertainment Performance, while the show itself competes for Best Reality program.
However, the streamers are closing the gap. Netflix secured 29 nods, while Disney+ garnered 16, thanks largely to Steven Knight’s A Thousand Blows, which earned seven nominations including Drama Series.
BAFTA CEO Jane Millchip praised the diversity of this year’s talent: “2025 has been an exceptional year for television… 124 nominated programmes highlight the strength and originality of British storytelling.
This year’s nominees demonstrate a medium at its creative peak.”
In a move widely lauded by the public, BAFTA announced that Martin Lewis will receive the BAFTA Television Special Award.
The honor recognizes Lewis’s profound impact on British public life, moving beyond his reputation as a financial expert to acknowledge his work as a dedicated broadcast journalist.
Lewis expressed his shock and pride, stating, “For many years, people assumed I was a financial adviser. I’m not. I am, proudly, a broadcast journalist. That is why this level of recognition feels so meaningful.”
What to Expect at the May 10 Ceremony
The tension will reach its peak on May 10 at London’s Southbank Centre. Hosted by comedian Greg Davies, the ceremony will see the crowning of the winners across all categories, including the public-voted P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award.
Contenders for the public vote include the heart-wrenching moment Jamie snaps at the psychologist in Adolescence and the hilarious “speed date” between Bob Mortimer and Richard Ayoade in Last One Laughing.
As the nominees party wound down—with some stars like Laura Haddock famously ditching their heels to head for home—the stage is now set for a night of triumphs that will define the next year of British television.