The BAFTAs has seen a backlash after a tribute to Oldham actor Bernard Cribbins was not included in the ceremony.
The iconic Oldham actor, known for his roles in films such as The Railway Children and Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, died last year aged 93.
Cribbins may have been best known by younger generations for his role in Doctor Who, playing Wilfred Mott in the series between 2007 and 2010.
In addition to his film and television work, Cribbins acted on stage at the Oldham Coliseum, then known as the Oldham Rep, in the 1940s and 1950s.
Like many awards, the BAFTAs features an "in memory of" section, dedicated to stars who have passed away over the previous 12 months.
Stars including Dame Angela Landsbury, Robbie Coltrane, and Dame Olivia Newton-John were included in this year’s montage.
However, many were surprised to see Cribbins’ absence in Sunday’s BAFTA Film Awards.
Some took to social media to express their outrage.
Twitter user Victoria Powell said: “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.”
Fan site Doctor Who Online said: “Never thought we'd have to say this, but shame on BAFTA for leaving out Bernard Cribbins from their 'In Memoriam' section.
“Bernard was 100 per cent a national treasure, and will never be forgotten by the countless people who loved him and adored his characters!”
The BAFTA account responded, saying the star would be ‘considered for inclusion’ in the upcoming 2023 BAFTA television awards later this year.
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 https://t.co/cN8n2nwp76 and given his influential work in TV, he will be considered for inclusion in the next Television Awards broadcast
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 19, 2023
Some were unhappy with the response.
Taking to Instagram, Russell T Davies – who was head writer and executive producer of Doctor Who during Cribbins’ tenure – said “It’s fair enough to remember Bernard Cribbins at the TV @bafta, not the film. TO say he’s being ‘considered’ is the work of an idiot.”
Twitter user Jack Alexander said: “Nah okay, just not good enough.
"Bernard Cribbins was a national treasure and adored by many the world over. Make time.”
The 2023 BAFTA TV awards is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 14.
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