When the 2025 TV BAFTA Awards kicked off, it was clear that ITV’s Mr. Bates vs The Post Office would be one to watch.
With a history of securing accolades since its release, including National Television and Venice TV Awards, the drama was already on track for a successful evening.
And it didn’t disappoint early on, bagging the Limited Drama award.
However, the night quickly turned into a BBC takeover, with the public broadcaster sweeping up a staggering 17 awards, dominating the evening across all categories.
ITV’s Strong Start, But BBC’s Reign
ITV started strong, with Mr. Bates vs The Post Office picking up an early win for Limited Drama.
This hard-hitting series, which delves into the post office scandal, had already captured a lot of attention, and it seemed poised for more victories.
Yet, despite the excitement surrounding ITV’s entry, the BBC overshadowed the night with its sweeping success.
From Blue Lights to Glastonbury 2024, the BBC cemented its position as a dominant force in television, leaving many favorites like ITV’s Ant and Dec and Rivals star David Tennant empty-handed.
A Mixed Night for The Traitors and Netflix Hits
While the BBC triumphed, not every favorite took home an award.
The Traitors, a fan-favorite reality show, failed to claim its fourth consecutive win, while Netflix’s Baby Reindeer made a strong showing, with Jessica Gunning winning Best Actress for her portrayal of Martha.
Additionally, Gavin & Stacey’s Christmas special also secured a major win, proving that the beloved show continues to captivate audiences.
Key Wins for Mr. Bates vs The Post Office
Though ITV didn’t dominate the evening, Mr. Bates vs The Post Office still managed to claim one of the night’s most significant moments.
The series, which tells the story of former subpostmaster Alan Bates and the scandal that ruined hundreds of lives, earned a Special Award.
In his speech, producer Patrick Spencer thanked Polly Hill at ITV for saving the show from cancellation, and he passionately addressed the injustice faced by the victims of the post office scandal.
Spencer also made a poignant remark: “Our show didn’t change the law, the people of this nation did.”
Rising Stars and Surprising Wins
One of the surprises of the night came when Danny Dyer won Male Performance in a Comedy for his role in Mr. Bigstuff. Dyer’s acceptance speech was full of humor and excitement, with the actor cheekily celebrating his win with his family, including daughter Dani Dyer from Love Island.
Later in the evening, Ruth Jones, playing Nessa in the Gavin & Stacey finale, claimed Female Performance in a Comedy.
In her heartfelt speech, Jones thanked her writing partner James Corden and hinted at future collaborations.
Emotional Acceptance and Strong Performances
The Leading Actress category saw a moving win for Marisa Abela, who was honored for her role in Industry (BBC One).
Abela, who had been filming the show for six years, was visibly emotional as she accepted her award, describing the role of Yasmin as one that “changed my life.”
She also expressed gratitude to HBO and the production company for giving her the chance to continue after season one.
On the other side of the spectrum, Lennie James triumphed in the Leading Actor category for his role in Mr Loverman (BBC One), a win that took many by surprise, especially with the competition from high-profile actors like David Tennant and Toby Jones.
James admitted he wasn’t prepared for the win but expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to play such a complex role.
A Historic Win for Glastonbury and Other Notable Victories
One of the evening’s most unexpected moments came when Glastonbury 2024 won Live Event Coverage, marking the first BAFTA win for the iconic festival in 33 years.
It was also a night to remember for EastEnders, which claimed the Best Soap award on its 40th anniversary, while BBC Breakfast made history with its first-ever BAFTA for its special Post Office coverage.
Other notable wins included Would I Lie To You? winning Entertainment Programme and Joe Lycett taking home the Entertainment Performance award for Late Night Lycett.
Looking Ahead: The Future of TV
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards were a celebration of both established icons and rising stars.
With the BBC continuing to show its dominance, the battle between traditional networks and streaming services remains fierce.
But for now, the evening belonged to those who dared to tell the most compelling stories—whether they were addressing social justice, comedic brilliance, or unforgettable performances.