It’s one of TV’s biggest nights, with shows being recognised for their memorable storylines and actors awarded for their stellar performances.
And Line Of Duty star Adrian Dunbar, 62, who was a presenter at the BAFTA TV Awards on Sunday, ensured to sneak in a moment to relax amid all the festivities as he lounged on a sofa backstage at London’s TV Centre.
This Country star Daisy May Cooper, 34, also seemed to be in good spirits during the star-studded event and put on a very animated display as she eyed-up and signed a huge bottle of Taittinger Champagne.
Quick rest: Line Of Duty star Adrian Dunbar, 62, ensured to sneak in a moment to relax amid all the festivities as he lounged on a sofa backstage at London ‘s TV Centre during the BAFTA TV Awards 2021 on Sunday
Adrian cut a dapper figure for the awards ceremony, donning a smart suit and white shirt with a black bowtie and shining leather shoes.
The star also ensured to style his locks into a suave quiff and completed his look with a pair of black-frame glasses.
Joining him backstage was actress and writer Daisy, who was looked sensational in a sparkling blue gown which boasted a satin tie detail at the side.
Daisy was nominated in the Female Performance In A Comedy Programme category as well as receiving a nod for This Country in the Scripted Comedy group, but did not scoop any wins. Her co-star and brother Charlie was also nominated at the event and took home the gong for Male Performance In A Comedy Programme.
Star-studded night: This Country star Daisy May Cooper, 34, also seemed to be in good spirits during the event and put on a very animated display as she signed a huge bottle of Taittinger Champagne
Elsewhere, It’s A Sin stars Lydia West and Olly Alexander also signed the alcohol bottle, with them both beaming smiles for the camera while rocking eye-catching ensembles.
Years & Years frontman Olly certainly commanded attention in a sparkling top and pin-striped trousers while Lydia exuded elegance in a black dress.
Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan was also seen having the finishing touches applied to her look ahead of the awards being handed out and her blonde locks trimmed by a hairdresser.
She put on a colourful display in a vibrant orange gown and also donned a slick of deep purple eyeshadow.
Finishing touches: Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan was also seen her locks trimmed by a hairdresser ahead of the show, where she’s nominated for the Must See TV Moment for the revelation her character Penelope Featherington is Lady Whistledown
Getting ready: The BAFTA TV Awards host Richard Ayoade ensured he was looking dapper in a navy suit and red tie, with the comedian catching a quiet moment to himself backstage before entertaining viewers
Comfy seating: Richard Wilson also made the most of the plush seating as he waited for the ceremony to start on Sunday
And the BAFTA TV Awards host Richard Ayoade ensured he was looking dapper in a navy suit and red tie, with the comedian catching a quiet moment to himself backstage before entertaining viewers.
Strictly’s Oti Mabuse also seemed to be enjoying herself as she larked around with her Strictly Come Dancing celebrity partner Bill Bailey and took selfies and filmed funny videos on her phone backstage.
The professional dancer, 30, put on a busty display in a plunging white gown and showed off her dancing moves as she perched on a sofa while throwing her arms around for the camera.
Oti was a vision in her white strapless gown which boasted a plunging bustier front and flowed into a floor-length skirt. The dancer completed her look by adding extra height to her toned frame with metallic silver heels.
The beauty, who reunited with Bill to present an award at this year’s ceremony, styled her ombre bob into loose curls after gracing the red carpet in her Grecian-inspired gown
Stunning: Oti Mabuse put on a busty display in a plunging white gown as she beamed smiles while catching up with Bill Bailey
Going for it: The professional dancer, 30, larked around with her Strictly Come Dancing celebrity partner Bill while taking selfies and filmed funny videos on her phone backstage
Glowing: Oti could not stop smiling as she cradled a glass of fizz and chatted with fellow celebrities backstage
There she goes: Oti and Bill presented an award at this year’s ceremony
The BAFTA TV Awards 2021 will prove to be one for the history books, as stars who are unable to attend will be beamed onto the red carpet in hologram form.
And Billie Piper, Jodie Comer, Michaela Coel, and Oti Mabuse were among the select celebrities to make it onto the red carpet in person on Sunday, when they arrived in truly head-turning style.
Pop star-turned-actress Billie, 38, wowed she arrived on the red carpet in a black tuxedo dress, which was given a dramatic touch with a single puffy pink sleeve, which descended into a matching bow and train.
Big night out: Bill looked dapper in a black suit and white shirt and sipped on a glass of Champagne while chatting to Oti
Sweeping: Actress Zawe Ashton let her pink dress flow across the sofa and floor while chatting backstage
Getting some snacks: She stocked up on popcorn while next to the bar with actor David Morrissey
Having fun: Zawe (left) cut a stylish figure in a patterned pink gown with a statement bow as she hung out and comedian Rose Matafeo (right) was full of laughter as she chatted backstage at the star-studded event
Elegant: The brunette beauty tied her locks back into a chic up do and added a pair of earrings
Colourful: Zawe continued the bright theme by toting a yellow handbag
Chatting away: Lydia West looked relaxed in more behind-the-scenes snaps from the event, lounging on a sofa backstage
With one half of her dress covered in sequins, the star – who has been nominated for her turn in I Hate Suzie – toted a clutch bag, while she opted to accessorise with a glittering statement necklace.
Meanwhile, fellow nominee Jodie, 38, kept things simple yet elegant in a navy sleeveless top with matching high-waisted trousers, which she gave a summery touch with open-toe heels.
While her ensemble was simple, the Killing Eve star added bold jewellery, including an open choker and colourful earrings as she posed up a storm for photographers gathered on the red carpet.
Also nominated on the night, acclaimed actress and screenwriter Michaela, 33, looked incredible in a flowing backless gown and with a statement red cuff sleeve detail.
Spread out: The guests and nominees all sat spaced out in the venue to abide by covid rules
Nominated: Ashley and Jordan Banjo sat together ahead of learning if they’d been successful in the Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment (voted for by the public) category for their group Diversity’s performance of a routine inspired by the events of 2020
Smart: The dancers cut suave figures in black suits and trousers for the hotly-anticipated TV Awards in London
Congratulations! Rakie Ayola was overcome with emotion after she took home the gong for Supporting Actress
Exciting: Radio presenter Vick Hope, who looked incredible in a slinky slip dress, spoke with Rakie after her impressive win
Elegant: Fellow nominee Jodie kept things simple yet elegant in a navy sleeveless top with matching high-waisted trousers
Bold jewellery: While her ensemble was simple, she added bold jewellery, including an open choker and colourful earrings
Strike a pose: Nominated for her critically-acclaimed turn in Killing Eve, the star gleefully posed up a storm for photographers
Michaela, nominated for hit show I May Destroy You – which she wrote and starred in – looked sensational as she slicked back her raven tresses and accentuated her features with bold lipstick.
With her dress featuring a peephole descending the length of much of her torso, the star added a selection of gold accessories to her gown, including a chunky chain necklace and some statement rings.
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti, 30, looked sensational as she stepped out in a deeply plunging cream gown, which boasted a daring thigh-high slit.
Standing tall in a pair of silver strappy heels, the South African beauty’s dress of choice perfectly hugged and flattered her enviably toned frame as she posed up a storm for photographers.
Eye-catching: Michaela Coel looked sensational as she made her way down the red carpet in a flowing black backless gown
Contrasting touch: The I May Destroy You star’s dramatic gown was given a contrasting touch with a red cuff sleeve detail
Golden girl: With her dress featuring a peephole descending the length of much of her torso, the star added a selection of gold accessories to her gown, including a chunky chain necklace and some statement rings
Radiant: The actress looked sensational as she slicked back her raven tresses and accentuated her features with bold lipstick
With a pair of dazzling drop earrings complementing her stunning ensemble, the TV personality wore her honey brown tresses in a playful bob, while her good looks were highlighted with a palette of glossy makeup.
She was joined on the red carpet by Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, who stood out on the red carpet in a dramatic black poncho dress, which enveloped her frame.
Claudia’s dress was fringed with a series of shimmering silver tassels, adding a contrasting touch to her look, which also included a pair of vertiginous black heels.
Toting a black envelope clutch bag, the TV personality wore her signature raven locks in a straight sleek style with a long fringe, while a generous application of makeup highlighted her looks.
Glamorous: Oti stepped out in truly glamorous style for the occasion as she hit the red carpet well ahead of the ceremony
Black to basics: The stars were joined on the red carpet by Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, who stood out on the red carpet in a dramatic black poncho dress, which enveloped her frame
Helena Bonham Carter looked fun and flirty as she arrived on the red carpet in a white layered sleeveless gown, which was decorated with an array of black polka dots.
Wearing her chestnut brown locks in a half-updo, the 55-year-old The Crown star bucked convention by adding a pair of sunglasses to her accessories, which included hoop earrings.
She was joined on the red carpet by her beau Rye Holmboe, who cut a dapper figure in a classic black tuxedo.
Also in attendance was AJ Odudu, who stunned as she stepped out in a red feathered one-shoulder gown, which boasted a backless feature.
Dapper gent: She was joined on the red carpet by her beau Rye Holmboe, who cut a dapper figure in a classic black tuxedo
Gown: The actress proudly displayed her gown in all its dramatic form as she posed up a storm for red carpet photographers
Beautiful: The BAFTA Awards will make history on Sunday as stars who weren’t able to attend the event are beamed onto the red carpet in hologram form
Say cheese: The actress posed up a storm on the carpet before the star-studded event with fellow actor Paapa Essiedu, 31
Glitzy: She wore a unique dress which was covered in jewels, including the collar around her neck
Happy: Paapa wore a gold chain around his neck and a pair chunky brown shoes as he posed with Letitia
This year, BAFTA will be beaming celebrities that can’t attend onto the red carpet as holograms.
And ceremony hosts Stacey Dooley and Vick Hope will introduce the hologram guests to those actually at the socially distanced ceremony.
Of her red carpet role, Vick revealed last week: ‘If you’re anything like me, over the last year your WhatsApp groups will have been nonstop about a recent episode or moment in the latest TV drama, documentary, reality or even cooking show.
‘It’s made me fall in love with TV all over again, and it’s because of this that I think that the Virgin Media BAFTAs feels extra special this year.
All things bright and beautiful: Bridgerton actress Emma Coughlan wowed as she hit the red carpet in a flowing orange gown
Captivating red carpet look: The Derry Girls star’s gown featured a sheer chiffon overlay at the neckline and puffy mid-sleeves
Purple reign: The screen star complemented her eye-catching look with vibrant violet eyeshadow and dazzling hoop earrings
Taking the plunge: Actress Cush Jumbo wowed as she hit the red carpet in a deeply plunging shimmering black gown
Making waves: The screen star wore her golden locks in soft waves with a long fringe, while she kept her makeup natural
‘To be able to chat directly with the TV fans who have voted for their favourite Must-See Moment nominee and connect them to their favourite stars via holograms live on the red carpet will be a unique, once in a lifetime experience.
‘I’m so excited to bring a bit of this magic to the fans at home, it’s going to be an emotional one.’
COVID-19 restrictions mean TV fans can’t be in attendance on the red carpet as usual this year and some nominees won’t be able to attend because of filming bubbles.
All content will be captured by a live stream camera and will enable everyone at home to see the action unfold from the comfort of their living room.
Beauty: The actress, 28, stunned in a figure-hugging black gown, featuring white puffed shoulders
Busy: Lydia’s turn in It’s A Sin sees her with a whopping four acting projects line up for the coming year
Stunning: She swept her raven locks tightly back from her smiling features which were expertly made-up with a clean palette of cosmetics
Host with the most: The Chase’s Bradley Walsh looked dapper in a black tuxedo as he arrived with his glamorous wife Donna
LBD: The ceremony’s hosts for the evening, (L-R) Vick Hope and Stacey Dooley posed in black gowns of differing lengths
Television break: Ellie and Izzi Warner took a break from watching TV for Gogglebox to hit the red carpet in stylish dresses
Members of the public can watch a livestream of the red carpet and be a part of the glamour by visiting Virgin’s website from noon on Sunday.
They can also choose from a selection of digital red carpet outfits to help them get into the spirit of the Awards and get ready carpet ready.
If selected, they will be beamed onto the red carpet and could even ask a question to their favourite celeb with a video of the interaction being sent to the fan after.
Several of the year’s biggest TV moments will be celebrated on Sunday, with Diversity’s controversial BLM-inspired routine on Britain’s Got Talent, which sparked 24,500 complaints to Ofcom, featured in the must-see moment category.
Flawless: AJ Odudu looked stunning as she stepped out on the red carpet in a red feathered one-shoulder gown at the show
Turning heads: The TV presenter, 33, looked sensational as she posed in the statement ruby gown and white stilettos
Chic: The presenter wore her raven tresses in a sleek bob, which she tucked behind her ears as she beamed for photographers
Beautiful: AJ oozed glamour and looked radiant in the jewel toned ensemble and opted for a natural makeup look
Understated: AJ let her statement outfit speak for itself as she kept her hair and makeup looks subtle
Upbeat: Zawe Ashton looked sweet as she twirled onto the red carpet in a playful cartoon print maxi dress at the BAFTAs
All smiles: The Fresh Meat actress beamed as she worked her angles for the cameras in the dusty pink gown with a large bow
Twirling: Gbemisola Ikumelo showed off the beauty of her patterned dress in all its glory as she twirled on the red carpet
The category, which is voted for by the public, also sees nods to Penelope being revealed as Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton and when Luke Skywalker appeared in the climax of The Mandalorian’s second season.
However it’s Small Axe which leads this year’s nominations with 15 nods.
The BBC One anthology film series, directed by Sir Steve McQueen, picked up six TV nominations and nine in the craft categories, including a nod for the Mini-Series gong alongside Normal People, Adult Material and I May Destroy You.
Small Axe – which features five films that tell stories about lives of West Indian immigrants in London from the 1960s to the 1980s – also picked up two Leading Actor nominations with John Boyega and Shaun Parkes both receiving nods.
Stunning: Aimee Lou Wood, 26, wowed in a flowing white dress with exquisite floral detailing on the red carpet as she arrived
80s inspired: The floral pattern continued down the rest of the garment and the ends of the dress hung just above the ground
Making history: The BAFTA Awards will make history on Sunday as stars who weren’t able to attend the event are beamed onto the red carpet in hologram form
Flawless: Her makeup was heavy and she opted for lipstick with a dark pink tinge, tying in with the flowers and her large pendant earrings
Exciting: ceremony hosts Stacey Dooley and Vick Hope will introduce the hologram guests to those actually at the socially distanced ceremony
Wow! Jessica Plummer ensured she left a lasting impression as she arrived at the ceremony in a showstopping silver dress
Stunning: The EastEnders actress, 28, put on a very leggy display in a ruffled silver mini skirt, which she styled with a matching strappy top
Panache: Rupaul’s Drag Race UK stars (L-R) Bimini Bon Boulash, Lawrence Chaney and Awhora arrived in typically glam style
Letitia Wright, who also starred in the series, is up for the Leading Actress prize, and she will face competition from Billie Piper (I Hate Suzie), Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People), Hayley Squires (Adult Material), Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) and Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You).
Elsewhere, I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu will go up against John and Shaun for the Leading Actor award, as well as Normal People actor Paul Mescal, Baghdad Central’s Waleed Zuaiter, and The Crown’s Josh O’Connor.
The Crown received 10 nominations – four for TV and six for the craft categories – including a nod for the Drama Series accolade alongside I Hate Suzie, Save Me Too and Gangs of London.
Other nods included This Country, Man Like Mobeen, Inside No. 9, and Ghosts for the Scripted Comedy prize, and siblings and This Country creators Daisy May and Charlie Cooper received nominations for the Female and Male Performance in a Comedy Programme gongs, respectively.
The ceremony will be hosted by Richard Ayoade, while Stacey and Vick take charge of the red carpet presenting.
Happy: Daisy May Cooper, 34, made her appearance at the 2021 British Academy Television Awards a family affair, as she joined her uncle Trevor (far left) and father Paul on the red carpet
Dapper lading man: Screen heartthrob Paul Mescal arrived at the star-studded awards ceremony looking dapper on Sunday
Nominee: The Normal People star is up for a Leading Actor gong at the awards this year, after his stand-out turn in the role of Connell Waldron last summer
All smiles: Paul was seen arriving at the ceremony in West London, waving to bystanders. He looked suave in his ensemble
Stiff competition: He is up against I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu, Baghdad Central’s Waleed Zuaiter, The Crown’s Josh O’Connor, and Small Axe actors John Boyega and Shaun Parkes
Totally nailed it: The dashing actor added a silver nail lapel pin to the ensemble for a touch of flair
Suits: Alexis Ffrench went for a patterned suit, while TV star Tom Allen donned a classic tux as he shielded under an umbrella
Contenders: Diversity dancers Jordan and Ashley Banjo looked dapper as they posed together ahead of vying for a trophy
Bold look: Guz Khan (left) went for a bold patterned paisley look as he posed on the expansive red carpet with Arslan Ashraf
In sync: Mae Martin and Joe Hampson held hands on the red carpet as they posed in suits that complemented one another’s
Delight: Actor Richard Wilson was a delightful addition to the red carpet as he arrived in a black tux and white running shoes