Bafta hosts Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan spark feud with TV star as they kick off show with series of shock gags

THE Bafta TV Awards 2024 kicked off tonight with series of risky jokes from hosts Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan.

The pair poked fun at the economy after Liz Truss's spell as prime minister, NHS waiting times and Russian President Vladimir Putin as they hosted the Bafta TV awards.

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The duo, who hosted the ceremony for the second consecutive time, even took a swipe at Bradley Walsh’s son Barney during their monologue.

They mocked: “Succession, all about the next to find out the next generation to follow in his fathers footsteps. Turns out it was Barney Walsh.”

Barney has famously landed a series of TV roles alongside his dad, most notably the Gladiator's reboot.

Elsewhere Romesh joked: "Deal Or No Deal returned with Stephen Mulhern as the host, although thanks to Liz Truss the banker hasn't been able to offer him anything lower than a 17% five-year fixed rate."

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Last month, Ms Truss again refused to apologise for the banking crisis, pointing out that "mortgage rates have gone up across the world", and reiterated her criticism of Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey.

Rob continued the opening monologue: "At the end of last year, Ncuti Gatwa became the 15th incarnation of Doctor Who."

"At least someone could get a doctor's appointment - am I right guys?" Romesh joked.

Rob said "here we go, did someone order double politics", to which Romesh replied: "A little bit of topical."

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The duo also made reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"There's also been loads of great documentaries and current affairs shows this year, such as Putin Vs The West," Romesh said.

"Unfortunately, we've been told that Putin can't make it tonight. But a lot of the West is here," Rob joked.

Romesh closed the monologue saying he hoped the awards go "some small way to bringing the country together".

"Like Elton John at Glastonbury, the final of The Traitors or Nigel Farage on I'm A Celebrity," he joked, referencing the British politician placing third on the ITV reality show.

The duo kicked off the Bafta TV awards issuing stern instructions to the star-studded audience.

Rob said: "We are back for a second year as hosts. There were a few mistakes made last year so if you win, we love a good acceptance speech - but keep it tight."

Romest added: "Actually don't say anything at all.

"Producers, you can come up to the stage if you must, but please stand at the back and let the famous people talk.

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"To the actors, it's impossible to 'fall in love with a script' - you read it, you liked it and thought it would make you some money."

Rob continued: "If you have got to make a political point remember we have got to follow you, so keep it light."

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