Bafta apologises and explains Bernard Cribbins’ absence from ‘in memoriam’ segment after viewers rage

Bafta has explained why veteran actor Bernard Cribbins was missing from the awards show’s ‘in memoriam’ segment, after viewers were shocked to see him snubbed. 

This year’s aired on Sunday night from ’s Royal Festival Hall, with actor Richard E Grant and presenter co-hosting the event. 

During the two-hour BBC One broadcast, Bafta paid tribute to several actors, producers and composers . Among those included were Dame Olivia Newton-John, Ray Liotta, Anne Heche, Irene Cara, James Caan and Robbie Coltrane. 

Host as he introduced the segment and blinked away tears due to the death of his wife, Joan Washington, who died in September 2021. 

However, viewers noticed that Cribbins – best known for starring in films such as The Railway Children and the Carry On franchise – was absent. The acting icon . 

‘Was rather astonished to not see Bernard Cribbins being honoured. A national treasure held dear by the majority of the nation! Limited time isn’t a justified response, I’m sorry,’ one viewer tweeted. 

Bafta acknowledged the upset and responded with an explanation: ‘With limited time in our broadcast it isn’t possible to honour all those who have sadly passed away. 

‘Bernard features in our online records at and given his influential work in TV, he will be considered for inclusion in the next Television Awards broadcast.’ 

The explanation wasn’t enough for some as one fuming viewer replied: ‘I really don’t think “considered” is the right attitude here. He absolutely should be in your Television Award’s Broadcast. His utterly stunning monologues showcased his absolute talent & he didn’t hold it back in kids dramas. Top actor – I had tears over sailor sue.’ 

One other agreed and suggested: ‘“Considered” for inclusion. Bernard Cribbins is one of the finest actors Britain has. He’s been on multiple formats on stage, and screen. 

‘He should’ve been mentioned on both, or given a posthumous special recognition award.’ 

Another viewer weighed in: ‘Very poor decision, BAFTA. Literally not reading the room. Bernard Cribbins was & is an icon of the small & big screens, his appeal spanning generations. Unpardonable of you to have left him out of the visual tributes last night, would’ve taken seconds to have included him.’ 

‘Not good enough. Bernard was an absolute national treasure. Not including him was shameful, to be honest,’ wrote another. 

Cribbins also starred in Fawlty Towers, narrated The Wombles and appeared as Wilfred Mott in Doctor Who. His career spanned an incredible seven decades and worked well into his 90s.