BAFTA TV Awards 2020 will be postponed in wake of coronavirus outbreak
This year's BAFTA Craft Awards are also being pushed back
This year's BAFTA TV Awards and TV Craft Awards will no longer go ahead in April and May as planned.
The British Academy Television Craft Awards – celebrating technical achievements in the industry – were originally scheduled for 26th April, while the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards were to follow on 17th May.
However, amidst the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, BAFTA has opted to postpone both ceremonies until later in the year.
In a statement, the charity said: "Following the latest government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19), we regret to announce that the British Academy Television Craft Awards and the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards, originally scheduled for 26 April and 17 May respectively, will be postponed until later in the year.
"The announcement of the nominations, scheduled for next Thursday 26 March, will also be postponed until closer to the ceremony. We’re working with all our partners to explore options for new dates and we hope to be in a position to confirm them in the coming weeks.
"We are continually monitoring the situation to ensure we are prepared for the challenges we may face in the coming weeks and months. We are closely following the advice of the World Health Organisation, NHS and GOV UK/Public Health England, and the safety of our members, guests and staff remains our top priority."
The decision by BAFTA follows the latest advice by the British government, which has urged UK citizens to avoid "non-essential" travel and contact with others to help curb coronavirus.
Sporting events including Euro 2020 and the Grand National have also been postponed or cancelled, while filming on many TV and film projects – including Line of Duty, Peaky Blinders, Stranger Things and The Batman – has halted as a precautionary measure.
Authors
Morgan Jeffery is the Digital Editor for Radio Times, overseeing all editorial output across the brand's digital platforms. He was previously TV Editor at Digital Spy and has featured as a TV expert on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky Atlantic.
