BAFTAs viewers begged for more - as Alison Hammond fronted the backstage content for the awards ceremony this morning.
The This Morning presenter fronted the backstage and access all area coverage from the BAFTAs award ceremony in London this evening, with the new format leaving fans puzzled. Normally, the show is recorded and then edited and broadcasted on BBC One but this year, four awards will be given out live as viewers tuned in from home.
Also new this year, is Alison's segment which sees her chat with the nominees and award winners from backstage which has so far included the likes of Dame Emma Thompson and Austin Butler.
Taking to Twitter, fans gave their opinion on the new segment - and it's left them divided.
One wrote: "Alison Hammond is an absolute joy. She should be at the helm tbh but, baby steps I guess. #EEBAFTAs," whilst a second added: "I love Alison Hammond so much #EEBAFTAs." A third wrote: "Alison Hammond is the perfect host for this, a national treasure."
" #EEBAFTAs Alison is so personable/relatable, her interviews are so fun and full of bubbly energy, the Celebs can relax more and actually be themselves (as some interviews are too serious/boring), which is why she's so good at her job," a fourth shared.
However, some were frustrated by the format change and felt it would be better to show more awards being collected.
"I like the IDEA of this Alison Hammond bit, but we barely get to see many categories as it is…let alone when time is taken up with this #EEBAFTAs," one viewer shared on Twitter as they gave their verdict on the change.
Alison is presenting tonight's BAFTAs alongside Richard E Grant, as she vowed to "bring the glitz and glam".
She said: "I’m so excited to be hosting at this year’s EE Bafta Film Awards with THE Richard E Grant. We’re going to have a lot of fun bringing the glitz and glam of backstage to everyone watching at home around the world. From hanging out with the stars to celebrating the biggest night for cinema, and joining the discussions with film fans, get ready for good vibes only."
Bafta chief executive Jane Millichip added of the hosts: "Much-loved by our audience at home, Richard also commands huge respect from his industry peers. And I can’t think of anyone better to complement Richard’s razor-sharp wit, and to helm our brand new Bafta Studio, than Alison Hammond, with her brilliantly entertaining and candid interview style."
Alison is best known for hosting This Morning alongside her friend Dermot O'Leary every Friday.
Asked how Dermot reacted to the news, she said: "He [Dermot] was absolutely thrilled that I’m doing this. I know he’s done the BAFTAs before. He came up to me and said, 'I’m so proud of you.' Martin Frizell, my editor, he’s like, 'It’s just amazing that you’re doing it, well done!' So many people have come up to me and said congratulations."
And of her son's Aiden's reaction, she added: "He didn’t realise it was such a big thing. He said, 'How come everyone’s going on about this BAFTAs thing?' to which I said, 'It’s quite a big thing my son! It’s a big thing, big thing to do.' He said, 'Oh really? Brilliant!'"
