Greg Davies’ BAFTA Opening Monologue: Celia Imrie’s Fart, a Jab at Romesh Ranganathan, and a Polarised Audience
The 2026 BAFTA Television Awards kicked off with a bang—or, more accurately, a well-timed comedic release. Host Greg Davies, best known for his deadpan delivery on Taskmaster and The Inbetweeners, delivered an opening monologue on Sunday, May 10, that touched on everything from iconic TV moments to the most talked-about flatulence in recent reality history. But while the star-studded audience at London's Royal Festival Hall roared with laughter, viewers at home were sharply divided, with many taking to social media to complain about the show’s pacing.
Davies opened the ceremony with a pre-taped skit in which he guided a young boy through a whirlwind tour of classic British television, referencing EastEnders, Only Fools and Horses, and Wimbledon. The sequence was designed to celebrate television’s rich history, but it quickly gave way to the host’s signature style: a mix of self-deprecation, pointed jabs, and wry observations. “I am once again not personally nominated,” Davies quipped, before turning his attention to comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who was nominated twice in a category for which Davies was also eligible. “Will I be punching the air if he loses? We will see. But this is not about the personal grievances that gnaw away at my soul,” he added, drawing knowing laughs from the audience.
The monologue then pivoted to the night’s most viral moment: Celia Imrie’s infamous flatulence incident on Celebrity Traitors. The BBC reality show, which was up for three awards, saw Imrie break wind during a tense challenge in the third episode. Davies, ever the master of timing, deadpanned: “I was a little surprised there’s one thing that wasn’t nominated for TV moment of the year. And Celia, you can relax. I’m not talking about you. Relax. I mean, I say relax, but not too much obviously.” The camera cut to Imrie, dressed in a striking green gown, cracking up in her seat. The joke set the tone for an evening that would see Imrie’s moment referenced multiple times, including by international winner Seth Rogen and by Imrie herself when she later took the stage with Traitors co-star Nick Mohammed.
Viewer Backlash: ‘Too Much Waffle’ and Calls to ‘Get On With It’
While the audience inside the venue appeared entertained, the reaction on social media was far less forgiving. Within minutes of the broadcast, viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their frustration. “BAFTA Jesus just get on with it, don't need 15 minutes of comedy and chatter, viewers turning off in their thousands due to boredom,” one user posted. Another pleaded: “Make it stop!” A third wrote: “20 mins into the BAFTAs, that's enough of that then.”
The criticism centred on the length of Davies’ opening segment, which combined the pre-filmed skit with a live monologue lasting several minutes. Complaints ranged from “too much waffle” to demands that award show organisers “cut the unfunny bits before nomination announcements.” One viewer summed up the sentiment with a blunt: “GET ON WITH IT. 13 MINUTES IN this isn't ITV.”
A subset of viewers also complained about the audio quality, with some suggesting that Davies’ microphone was malfunctioning. “Sort the sound out,” one person posted. However, the BBC has not confirmed any technical issues. Despite the backlash, a significant number of fans defended Davies. “I love him so much,” one user wrote. Another praised the host’s command of the room: “Greg Davies commands the Bafta TV opener like a boss, covering all the bases including a brief history of telly. There's no equivalent to him in other countries' TV awards.”
The polarised reaction highlights a perennial challenge for awards show hosts: balancing insider humour for the audience with pacing that keeps home viewers engaged. Davies, known for his surreal and often absurd comedy, may have been banking on the goodwill he has built through Taskmaster and appearances on The Graham Norton Show. But for some, the gamble did not pay off.
Celia Imrie’s Historic Flatulence: The Joke That Kept on Giving
No single topic dominated the BAFTAs more than Celia Imrie’s accidental breaking of wind on Celebrity Traitors. The moment, which occurred during a high-stakes challenge, was immortalised by host Claudia Winkleman’s shocked reaction and Imrie’s candid response: “I just farted, Claudia. It’s nerves, but I always own up.” The clip quickly went viral, cementing Imrie as a national treasure in the eyes of many viewers.
Davies’ monologue was just the first of several references to the incident. Later in the evening, Imrie took the stage to present an award alongside Traitors co-star Nick Mohammed. She revealed that before the series aired, she received a peculiar gift: a tin of baked beans wrapped in a red satin box. “I didn’t understand the relevance, then I looked again and it was a tin of baked beans,” she said, to laughter from the audience.
Even Seth Rogen, who won the International Award for his satirical comedy The Studio, got in on the joke. Addressing Imrie from the stage, the bemused American actor said: “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. I’m interested in your other work now. What else have you done?” The audience howled as Rogen, joined by co-stars Ike Barinholtz and Chase Sui Wonders, accepted the award. Meanwhile, Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr also referenced the moment in his acceptance speech for Most Memorable Moment, calling it “the most famous fart on TV.”
Davies, for his part, had earlier joked that while Imrie’s flatulence was not nominated, he was disappointed that another absurd TV moment had been overlooked: Mark “The Beast” Labbett attempting to drink a candle on Celebs Go Dating. “Why aren’t we celebrating that?” Davies asked, underscoring his fondness for celebrating television’s more bizarre offerings.
The Romesh Ranganathan Feud: Friendly Fire or Genuine Grievance?
Davies’ reference to Romesh Ranganathan during the monologue was not merely a throwaway line. The two comedians have a long history of playful rivalry. Ranganathan was nominated for two awards in the same category as Davies, and the host’s comment—“Will I be punching the air if he loses?”—was widely interpreted as a nod to their competitive banter. The cameras caught Ranganathan laughing in the audience, suggesting the jab was taken in good spirits.
This moment also served as a reminder of the broader trend of awards shows leaning into self-referential humour. In an era where streaming services and short-form content are reshaping the television landscape, Davies’ monologue acknowledged the pressure the industry faces. He noted that television “can feel like an industry under pressure,” but pledged that the ceremony would celebrate “proper telly.” The line between playful teasing and genuine complaint can be thin, but for now, the Davies-Ranganathan dynamic appears to be a source of comic relief rather than real tension.
Broader Implications: The BAFTAs in the Streaming Age
The divided reaction to Davies’ monologue reflects a deeper tension within the television industry. As audiences increasingly consume content on demand, live awards shows face the challenge of proving their relevance. The BAFTAs, like their American counterparts, must navigate the expectations of a domestic audience that values heritage programming while also appealing to a global viewership drawn by streaming hits. The decision to include segments highlighting classic BBC shows alongside moments from reality and comedy series is a deliberate strategy to bridge that gap.
Moreover, the repeated references to Celebrity Traitors—a show that has become a cultural phenomenon—signal the BAFTAs’ willingness to embrace viral moments over traditional prestige fare. This shift is not without risks. Critics argue that elevating a flatulence joke to the level of headline news cheapens the ceremony’s gravitas. Supporters counter that it makes the awards more accessible to younger, meme-literate audiences. The BAFTAs’ ability to walk this line will be crucial as the industry continues to evolve.
What This Changes: The Future of the BAFTA Hosting Gig
Greg Davies’ performance this year will likely influence the selection of future hosts. The backlash, while vocal, was not overwhelming, and many viewers praised his ability to command the stage. His monologue succeeded in generating buzz—even if some of that buzz was negative. In the age of social media, any reaction is better than indifference. The BAFTAs may now consider a rotating roster of hosts to keep the format fresh, or they may double down on Davies’ brand of irreverent comedy. For now, Davies has proven that he can handle the pressure, even if he cannot please everyone.
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