Joanna Lumley takes over from Stephen Fry as BAFTA host: 'It's so unbelievably thrilling'

Lumley said she snapped up the offer to front the prestigious event “indecently quickly”
Thrilled: Joanna Lumley will host the annual ceremony
James Shaw/Rex
Emma Powell9 January 2018
The Weekender

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Joanna Lumley has been confirmed to host the 2018 BAFTAs, making her the first female to take on the role.

The Absolutely Fabulous star, who won the BAFTA Fellowship in 2017, has replaced Stephen Fry following his 12 outings as host.

Lumley said she snapped up the offer to front the prestigious event “indecently quickly”.

Speaking at Tuesday morning’s nominations announcement she said: “It’s just so unbelievably thrilling. I’ve been voting for BAFTA for so long and yet every year when you hear the list some part of your heart is thinking ‘oh yes’ or ‘oh no they left that out’ and I don’t have to be connected with that because I’m above it all now.”

Out: Stephen Fry has handed over the reins to Joanna Lumley 
Rex

Lumley will take to the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall on February 18 when the world’s biggest film stars will descend on the capital for the annual event.

Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water looks set to sweep the board after picking up 12 nominations including Best Film and Best Director.

BAFTA Nominations 2018 - In pictures

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Martin McDonagh's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Joe Wright's Churchill epic Darkest Hour follow closely behind with nine nominations including Leading Actress and Actor for Frances McDormand and Gary Oldman respectively.

Oldman faces competition from Daniel Day Lewis, Jamie Bell, Timothee Chalamet and Daniel Kaluuya, while McDormand will be in contention with Annette Benning, Margot Robbie, Sally Hawkins and Saoirse Ronan.

A plethora of British stars including Hugh Grant, Florence Pugh and Dunkirk’s Christopher Nolan will compete with their contemporaries from across the pond for a host of coveted awards.

The 71st EE British Academy Film Award will take place on Sunday February 18 at the Royal Albert Hall.

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