May 10, 2013
Fifty years of Doctor Who will be celebrated by The British Academy of Film and Television Arts at their annual BAFTA television awards ceremony, it has been revealed.
A special video montage celebrating the long history of Doctor Who will be included as part of the ceremony, and Jenna Coleman – the Doctor’s current companion Clara – will present one of the night’s awards.
Two Daleks will also be seen patrolling the BAFTA red carpet, among the illustrious guests arriving for the ceremony hosted by Graham Norton.
Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “There are only a handful of programmes that have the quality and longevity of Doctor Who and the ability to put the nation on their sofas – or indeed behind them – year after year. BAFTA raises a toast to Doctor Who on its 50th birthday this year.”
Steven Moffat, Doctor Who’s Lead Writer and Executive Producer, said: "This is a massive and exciting year for Doctor Who, so I'm thrilled that BAFTA are including a special tribute to the show. So thrilled, in fact, we're sending the Doctor's best friend, Jenna Coleman, to present an award. We're also sending the Doctor’s worst enemy, the Daleks, to exterminate lots of innocent people. Sorry, it's just what they do. Let us know if it's a Health and Safety issue."
The Arqiva British Academy Television Awards will be hosted by Graham Norton at the Royal Festival Hall, London, and broadcast in the UK on BBC One, 8pm on Sunday 12 May.