BAFTAs Host Joanna Lumley Rejects Times Up All-Black Dress Code

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published 16 February 2018

On Sunday 18th February Joanna Lumley took on the impressive role as host of the BAFTAs.

The comedic legend was handed the reigns of the show from long-time host Stephen Fry, who has presented it for 10 years.

But the 71-year-old didn't pay attention to recent political movements at the ceremony.

The prestigious do saw many female attendees dress in all-black, in support of the Time's Up Movement.

Actors and actresses first made the move at the Golden Globes - in order to share their support for victims of sexual abuse.

However, actress Joanna decided not to take part in the dress code - admitting that she already had her outfit planned before the announcement.

Speaking to OK! magazine, she said, “I don’t think black is what one likes to see.

“I had to choose how I would look before any of this blew up, so I shall be wearing a plain charcoal grey dress that Betty Jackson made for me. I shall look like a head mistress.”

Joanna also voiced her excitement about her upcoming awards role, revealing that she's certainly got the approval of her predecessor.

Speaking to WhatsOnTV, she admitted that he was one of the first people she shared the news with.

“I rang him immediately and he said, ‘Darling, I’m so glad it’s you!'

MORE: Duchess Of Cambridge Faces Awkward Dress Dilemma At This Year’s BAFTAs

"I love Stephen, he’s such a generous man. He said to remember that no one has ever complained an awards ceremony was too short, and to just keep it alive. If I can even fill in one of his great footprints that would be a dream.”

The Duchess of Cambridge also faced an awkward fashion dilemma at the event.

She also refrained from wearing black, in order not to make a political statement. The royal family have long held back from making political statements.

Instead, she wore a dark green dress - giving a nod to the movement with a black belt.

It was certainly a dazzling night of fashion and famous faces.

The BAFTAs will air on Sunday, BBC One, at 9pm.

Amy Hunt is an experienced digital journalist specialising in homes, interiors and hobbies. She began her career working as the features assistant at woman&home magazine, before moving over to the digital side of the brand where she eventually became the Lifestyle Editor up until January 2022. Amy won the Digital Journalist of the Year award at the AOP Awards in 2019 for her work on womanandhome.com.