Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jessica Gibb

BAFTA 2022 host Rebel Wilson takes swipes at Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew

Rebel Wilson returned to host the BAFTA Awards tonight - and poked fun at the royal family.

It comes two years after she stole the show with a savage no-holds barred speech that threw a number of punches at the Royal Family.

And she pulled no punches tonight as she took aim at Prince Andrew and Meghan Markle.

“So, I was going to do a musical number as host, it was about Prince Andrew though um…” she tentatively started.

“Listen guys, no it’s not what you think, it was on roller-skates, it’s called Pizza Express,” she quipped.

“But don’t worry I’m not going to do it, I’m not going to sing, I’m saving my voice for the sequel to Cats.”

Rebel Wilson pokes fun at the Royal Family as she hosts the BAFTAs (BBC)

Next Rebel took aim at Meghan Markle as she made fun of her explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.

"Our next package is for Outstanding British Film from drama to horror, to fantasy... Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah had it all," she joked.

"Unfortunately that's not nominated in this category but some incredible films are."

The Aussie actress and comedian previously admitted she had been surprised to be asked back to front the show after fearing she'd be 'cancelled' over her last gag-filled speech.

In 2020 the Pitch Perfect star had viewers in stitches as she let rip with jibes at Princes Andrew and Harry - all with Prince William and Kate Middleton sitting just metres from her in the front row.

Rebel poked fun at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey (Credit: Getty) (Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese v)

The royal couple were seen nervously grinning in their seats as a number of unfortunate headlines surrounding their family members were made light of in front of the Royal Albert Hall's star-studded audience.

The incredible moment came as Rebel arrived on stage to present the award for best director.

Starting as she meant to go on, Rebel first took aim at those who were nominated.

"I look at the exceptional, daring talent nominated in this category and I don't think I could do what they do," Rebel said of the all-male nominees. "Honestly, I just don't have the balls," she dead-panned.

The actress then 'mistakenly' referred to the Royal Albert Hall as the 'Royal Andrew Hall' , with the Duke having been accused of sleeping with 17-year-old girl who was trafficked by his paedophile friend Jeffrey Epstein.

The civil claim was denied by Andrew and later settled with no admission.

Prince William and Kate Middleton had been in attendance when Rebel made jokes during the previous awards ceremony (BBC)

After Rebel made the joke, the camera span to the royal couple who smiled awkwardly.

She went on to poke fun at her movie Cats - which bombed at the box office, sexism in the movie industry and the BAFTA's attempt to go eco-friendly.

Rebel started off: "Good evening distinguished guests and those who don't identify as that. It is really great to be here at the Royal Andrew... Royal Harry... Royal Phillip... this royal palace place.

"I was just told backstage that no one's getting a massive gift bag tonight, yep, instead you're all getting a gifting wallet which is funny because that's also the nickname of my vagina.

"So maybe it is me who will win best original score at the after party tonight."

She then joked that her gown was made up of two dresses sewn together to be 'more sustainable' , 'one of which was from the funeral of the movie Cats,' she added.

The presenter had joked about Cats, which she had starred in alongside the likes of James Corden (Getty Images for Universal Pict)

"Cats, strangely not nominated for any awards. I'm not sure if everyone here is across the controversy but this year there has been a distinct lack of nominations for felines," she told the star-studded audience.

She then held the BAFTA in front of her mouth, saying: "What a great way to stop yourself from getting coronavirus."

Rebel four minute stint at the podium had the star-studded audience in stitches with many seen visibly cackling in their seats.

It also prompted a huge response from viewers at home, with many calling for Rebel to host the entire show one year.

Fast-forward two years and Rebel accepted the honour of fronting the prestigious film ceremony, after last year's show was put online due to the Covid lockdown.

Luckily for Rebel, the royal couple weren't in the crowd on Sunday evening as they didn't attend this year.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.