Richard Osman Takes Issue With TV Baftas Over Daytime Category
Richard Osman has taken issue with this year’s TV Baftas, after only three shows were recognised in the Daytime category.
On Wednesday morning, the nominees for the 2023 ceremony were unveiled, and while the majority of categories had four or more contenders, only The Chase, Scam Interceptors and a special episode of The Repair Shop were revealed to be in the running for the Daytime prize.
Responding to this, the former Pointless star tweeted: “Daytime TV punches far above its weight in terms of ratings, cost and popularity.
“To have only two daytime shows on this list is a bit of a kick in the teeth for producers. If I made Bridge Of Lies, HUTH [Homes Under The Hammer], Come Dine [With Me], Lingo etc., I think I’d feel robbed. Why bother having the category?”
He added: “Apologies for such a TV-centric tweet, but it can be such a snobbish industry sometimes. Also, I love all three of those nominated shows (but the brilliant Repair Shop was on at 8pm).”
Daytime TV punches far above its weight in terms of ratings, cost & popularity. To have only 2 daytime shows on this list is a bit of a kick in the teeth for producers. If I made Bridge Of Lies, HUTH, Come Dine, Lingo etc I think I'd feel robbed. Why bother having the category? pic.twitter.com/2Wj7xpvlVv
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) March 22, 2023
Apologies for such a TV-centric tweet, but it can be such a snobbish industry sometimes.
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) March 22, 2023
Also, I love all three of those nominated shows (but the brilliant Repair Shop was on at 8pm).
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) March 22, 2023
A Bafta spokesperson told HuffPost UK: “The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit was deemed eligible by Bafta’s TV committee because it was originally commissioned by Daytime and for its volume of output as a series.
“Programmes entered in the Daytime category are not restricted to broadcasters who use traditional scheduling only. Any formats by online streamers that fit into the criteria as defined in the rules can also be submitted.”
“The Daytime Award is about recognising programmes defined by their high volume and returnability, delivering consistent quality over a long run,” they added.
“In order to be considered we ask they submit coverage of up to one hour. It’s up to the entrant to choose what they submit, as long as it meets the eligibility criteria.”
Richard previously served as Alexander Armstrong’s right-hand man on the daytime quiz Pointless for 30 series, before announcing he was leaving the show last year.
He also presents the celebrity gameshow Richard Osman’s House Of Games, and is also now renowned for his series of mystery novels.
Police drama The Responder is leading the way at the upcoming TV Baftas with four nominations, while Sherwood and Am I Being Unreasonable have each received three.
Other shows in the running include Strictly Come Dancing, The Traitors, The White Lotus and The Masked Singer.
Check out the full list of nominees here.