Bafta offers explanation after viewers complain about Robbie Coltrane’s absence from memoriam TV package

The absence of Robbie Coltrane from the 2023 TV Bafta Awards’ memoriam package disappointed many.

The Baftas’ In Memory Of… part remembers performers who died in the previous year, as well as creatives who worked behind the scenes.

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman, comedian Paul O’Grady, and Dame Edna Everage star Barry Humphries also received mentions this year.

The evening also honoured Doctor Who actor Bernard Cribbins, Hi-De-Hi! actress Ruth Madoc, and Emmerdale star Dale Meeks.

The part included photographs of the deceased celebrities, with Ed Sheeran’s Eyes Closed playing in the background.

However, when Hagrid actor Coltrane did not arrive, many flocked to Twitter to vent their dismay.

Coltrane died on October 14, 2022, from severe organ failure.

Taking to social media during this year’s ceremony, one Twitter user wrote to Bafta: ‘what about Robbie Coltrane in your obituaries? Great actor which seems forgotten about tonight’.

Another tweeted: ‘no recognition for Robbie Coltrane, he died in October and is one of Britain’s most successful actors’.

‘Well done @bafta on forgetting Robbie Coltrane in the remembrance section of the TV BAFTAs….’, penned another.

However, Bafta offered an explanation.

A spokeswoman told Metro.co.uk that Coltrane was recognised at the Film Awards earlier this year.

As stated on their official website, the In Memory Of… package was established in 2006 to ‘acknowledge the committed and passionate individuals who worked in the film, games and TV industries who have passed away.’

‘Owing to the number of industry-related obituaries each year, we are unable to provide a definitive list of every person with industry credits who has passed away,’ they add.

Members of the Bafta are welcome to submit names for obituaries through email.

Other winners from tonight’s ceremony were actors Kate Winslet and Ben Whishaw for their roles in I Am Ruth and This Is Going To Hurt, respectively.

Derry Girls and The Traitors also won two awards.

Meanwhile, The Masked Singer won the entertainment programming over Strictly Come Dancing and Ant and Dec‘s Saturday Night Takeaway, while Platinum Jubilee – Party at the Palace: Paddington Meets the Queen was chosen the most memorable experience on P&O Cruises by the audience.

Source My Celebrity Life.