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Graham Norton to host BAFTAs

Graham Norton to host the British Academy Television Awards sponsored by Pioneer

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced today that Graham Norton will host The British Academy Television Awards sponsored by Pioneer. Graham, who has previously won three BAFTA Awards, will host the ceremony, to be held at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on Sunday 17 th April and broadcast the same evening on BBC ONE.

Graham said: “ Obviously being asked to host the BAFTA awards is a huge thrill, not to mention a lot easier than sitting in the audience pretending to be pleased for the winners. However the job does come with its own worries - will I be able to pronounce all the names? Will I able to go for two hours without a drink? Will I able to announce the nominees for Entertainment Performance without spitting? Hopefully I'll be able to do all three and everyone will have one great night as we celebrate the very best in British television.”

Graham NortonHilary Bevan Jones, Chair of the Academy's Television Committee, said "We are delighted that Graham Norton will host the Television Awards for 2004.  As an exceptional talent and previous multiple BAFTA  winner, Graham has the perfect credentials to host the most prestigious Awards ceremony in the television industry.  It promises to be a fantastic evening."

The British Academy Television Awards have been recognising and rewarding excellence within British Television for more than 50 years. These Awards are judged by industry professionals and practitioners, focusing on production and performance elements. There are eighteen performance and production categories awarded each year including Actor, Actress, Entertainment Performance, Drama Series and News Coverage.

BAFTA Television AwardsThe Academy Fellowship, The Alan Clarke Award for Outstanding Contribution to Television, the Dennis Potter Award and the Richard Dimbleby Award will be announced at the ceremony.

Last year's highlights included winners such as Bill Nighy receiving the Actor BAFTA, Little Britain picking up the Award for Comedy Programme or Series and the Coverage of England's triumph over Australia in the Rugby World Cup Final winning the BAFTA for Sport.

This year's nominations will be announced on Monday 14 th March.

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