A Night to Remember at the 2026 Bafta TV Awards
The 2026 Bafta TV Awards were a dazzling celebration of television excellence, with Celia Imrie undoubtedly stealing the spotlight. Her presence at the event was not only a testament to her enduring talent but also a reminder of one of the most memorable moments in British TV history – her infamous fart on Celebrity Traitors. The night was filled with laughter, admiration, and a few unexpected surprises.
As I sat near the back of the auditorium at London’s Royal Festival Hall, I could feel the palpable energy in the room. Every time her name was mentioned, especially in reference to that unforgettable moment, the audience erupted in laughter. It was clear that Celia had become a beloved figure, even if her most famous moment was a rather unglamorous one.
The Fart That Made History
Six months prior, during a challenge on Celebrity Traitors, Celia found herself in an awkward situation. As she admitted to Claudia Winkleman, “I just farted, Claudia. I’m so sorry. It’s nerves, but I always own up.” The moment was immediately hailed as British TV gold, and it seems that its legacy continued to live on at the Baftas.
Alan Carr joked about being in Celia’s firing line, while Nick Mohammed wafted at the air as he stood next to her on stage. Despite the lighthearted jabs, Celia handled every comment with grace, embodying the class act that she is.
A Surprising Shoutout from Seth Rogen
The most unexpected moment came when Hollywood legend Seth Rogen accepted the International prize for The Studio on behalf of Apple TV. As he took the stage, he looked down at Celia, who was seated with her Celebrity Traitors co-stars, dressed elegantly in emerald green. He quipped, “I assume this woman in the green dress is a very skilled and talented woman. All I know is that she farted on a reality show.”
The audience roared with laughter, and it was hard to believe that someone like Rogen, a well-known figure in Hollywood, could be unaware of Celia’s extensive career. From her iconic roles in Bridget Jones, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Absolutely Fabulous, to her childhood favourite The Borrowers, Celia has long been a staple of British entertainment.
A Light-Hearted Moment
Despite the initial surprise, it seemed that Rogen meant no harm by his remark. The entire audience was laughing, and Celia appeared to take it in good humour. Later that evening, I had the chance to speak with her face-to-face, and she brought up the incident herself. She mentioned that Rogen didn’t know who she was, which I found surprising given her prominence in the industry.
However, she didn’t seem offended. Instead, she smiled and engaged in a brief conversation, even agreeing to a selfie. To me, it was clear that she wasn’t upset by the remark. In fact, it felt more like a celebration of her being the woman of the night.
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
The 2026 Bafta TV Awards celebrated a wide range of achievements across different categories. From Adolescence winning multiple awards to The Studio taking home the International prize, the night was a testament to the diversity and quality of television in the UK and beyond.
Among the other winners were Celebrity Traitors in the Reality category, Amandaland in Scripted Comedy, and EastEnders in the Soap category. The event also saw recognition for outstanding performances in both drama and comedy, with Code of Silence and How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) among the highlights.
A Memorable Experience
After the ceremony, I had the surreal experience of mingling with some of the biggest names in the industry. As I approached Celia for a photo, I mentioned the various shoutouts she received throughout the night. She responded with a smile, clearly enjoying the attention.
For all I know, she might have been concealing any feelings of slight, but to me, it was clear that she was comfortable with the light-hearted nature of the evening. I hope that she didn’t feel overlooked or disrespected, as her contributions to television are undeniable.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Bafta TV Awards were a night to remember, filled with laughter, admiration, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether it was the hilarious references to Celia’s infamous moment or the impressive list of winners, the event showcased the best of British television.
If you missed the event, you can catch it on BBC iPlayer. And if you have a story or something interesting to share, don’t hesitate to reach out to the entertainment team via email, phone, or their Submit Stuff page. Who knows, your story might just make the headlines.
