BAFTA bosses have been forced to make a U-turn after viewers were 'absolutely appalled' when the awards show left Bernard Cribbins out of the tributes.
The Railway Children actor, who also appeared in Doctor Who, passed away aged 93 in July last year, but he was not mentioned at this week’s awards, prompting a backlash.
Names including Dame Angela Lansbury, Dame Olivia Newton-John, Sylvia Syms, Robbie Coltrane and Burt Bacharach appeared on the screen in the In Memorium section.
Responding to questions over why Bernard had not been included in the segment, the film awards initially said it was down to time constraints, and he features in their online records.
They added: "Given his influential work in TV, he will be considered for inclusion in the next Television Awards broadcast."
But the “consideration” was not enough for Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has hit out a BAFTA's excuse and branded it the “work of an idiot”.
It's A Sin writer Russell hit out at the reply, saying on Instagram : "It’s fair enough to remember Bernard Cribbins at the TV @bafta , not the film. Tcribbingo say he’s being ‘considered’ is the work of an idiot."
BAFTA has since made a U-turn, changing their statement, saying the actor will be included in the television awards.
A new backtracked statement now reads: “Bernard Cribbins will be remembered in our upcoming Bafta Television Awards ceremony broadcast.”
Fans noticed actor and singer Bernard was missing from the names listed in the tribute section on Sunday night.
Actress Sally Thomsett wrote: "Hi Darlings, have watched The BAFTA's on TV & I'm absolutely appalled that the fabulous Bernard Cribbins was not mentioned in stars that we've lost within the last year.
"They should be disgusted with themselves, words fail me."
Sally appeared in the 1970 film The Railway Children alongside Bernard - who played Albert Perks.
"I’m going to join the chorus of disapproval in the decision, by #BAFTA , to not include the wonderful Bernard Cribbins in the list of artists lost last year. ‘Limited time’ is a pathetic excuse. They f**ked up. He deserved better," another critic said online.
One person tweeted: "How the hell did BAFTA NOT mention Bernard Cribbins in the ‘people we’ve lost in the last 12 months’ montage?
"His work touched every generation of viewer alive today from Carry On movies to Fawlty Towers to The Wombles to Doctor Who to Old Jack’s Boat on CBeebies. Disgraceful."
Bernard passed away at the age of 93 in July last year , with his agent confirming the news online.
"Beloved actor Bernard Cribbins OBE has passed away at the age of 93," a statement from his agent read at the time.
“His career spanned seven decades with such diverse work ranging from films like The Railway Children and the Carry On series, hit 60s song Right Said Fred, a notorious guest on Fawlty Towers and narrating The Wombles.
“He worked well into his 90s, recently appearing in Doctor Who and the CBeebies series Old Jack’s Boat.
“He lost his wife of 66 years, Gill, last year.
“Bernard’s contribution to British entertainment is without question. He was unique, typifying the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.”
Born in Oldham, Bernard was revered for his versatility and became a favourite with young audiences all over the country as the narrator of The Wombles, as well as for more than 100 appearances on the children’s favourite, Jackanory.
