Sue Perkins: I doubt I’ll be asked to host Baftas again

BAFTA TV awards host Sue Perkins says she does not expect to be asked back.

The presenter, 47, told the Standard that bosses had warned her to steer clear of political gags ahead of next month’s general election — but said she could not resist a series of jibes.

Perkins replaced regular host Graham Norton, who was on Eurovision duty, and won praise on social media. Her jokes included one that poked fun at Theresa May’s campaign mantra, as she promised to deliver “a strong and stable Baftas”.

At the after-party at Royal Festival Hall last night, she said: “I had been told to stay away from politics because of the general election. But I couldn’t resist just one or two. I doubt I’ll get asked back! Although the response from people so far has been fantastic and that’s good enough for me.”

During the ceremony, Perkins claimed she was keeping Norton’s “seat warm” before poking fun at organisers by saying: “I know what you’re thinking. Not another woman hosting an awards show, when will it end?”

Best actress winner Sarah Lancashire, who won for her role in Happy Valley, said after collecting her prize that it was still too early to be celebrating gender equality in the industry.

Backstage, the Last Tango In Halifax star, 52, said: “Two of the best roles I have ever had have happened in my late forties — so I can’t complain at a time when most actresses are disappearing and becoming invisible, I am becoming visible.

“Of course we want to bring actresses forward ... we should gather strength in that the climate is looking very promising. But it’s too soon to celebrate.”