BAFTA TV Awards to be held behind closed doors with Richard Ayoade as host

ichard Ayoade is to present this year\'s Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards behind closed doors.

The 43-year-old comedian will take the helm of the TV Awards on July 31st after the event - which was due to take place on May 17th - was postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He quipped: "I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead."

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The awards will be broadcast live on BBC One but will follow current restrictions and take place in a closed studio with nominees invited to accept their awards virtually.

Chief Executive at BAFTA Amanda Berry OBE added: "We are delighted to confirm the new date and format for both the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards.

"We want to celebrate and reward the talented individuals who make up the television industry, both behind and in-front of the camera, many of whom have continued to entertain and inform the nation in recent weeks.

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"I am thrilled that Richard Ayoade will be hosting the Television Awards for the first time and with him at the helm, the evening is set to be great entertainment."

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) revealed the nominations for this year\'s award ceremony will be revealed on June 4th, and the nominations for Virgin Media\'s Must-See Moment - the only award voted for by the public - will be announced on June 3rd.

The nods were due to be announced on March 26th before the global health crisis paused the entertainment industry.

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BAFTA said in a statement: "Following the latest government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19), we regret to announce that the British Academy Television Craft Awards and Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards, originally scheduled for 26 April and 17 May respectively, will be postponed until later in the year.

"The announcement of the nominations, scheduled for next Thursday 26 March, will also be postponed until closer to the ceremony.

"We\'re working with all our partners to explore options for new dates and we hope to be in a position to confirm them in the coming weeks."