Joe Lycett wins BAFTA for David Beckham saga and pokes fun at Holly Willoughby in acceptance speech

The BAFTAs took place last night (14 May), hosted by comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan. Stars from all facets of Britain’s TV scene were out in full force, with winners including The Real Mo Farah, Casualty, and Derry Girls.

Brummie comedian Joe Lycett has once again made his city proud by taking home his first BAFTA. The award was presented for his polarising feature entitled Joe Lycett vs Beckham: Got Your Back. 

In the feature, Joe Lycett, 34, called out David Beckham for his deal with Qatar to promote the country during the 2022 World Cup. The tournament’s location was heavily criticised by many, due to human rights issues in the territory, specifically affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Joe shredded £10,000 because Beckham did not step down from his promoter position for Qatar. The dispute between the Travel Man presenter and former Manchester United winger is still ongoing. 

Joe’s colleagues stepped up to accept the award with the Late Night Lycett presenter absent from the awards. The show’s producer, James Kirkwood, read Joe’s speech from his phone, Explaining his absence, he said: “Joe says, ‘I’m sorry I can’t be with you, but according to my PR team I have shingles’.” 

This was a playful dig at This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby, who amid controversy, took a week off from the show last month due to shingles. The situation between Holly and her co-star Phillip Schofield has since escalated to an alleged feud. 

The pair appeared on ITV’ This Morning today (15 May), with fans noting the two were “nervous” and “awkward”. Philip and Holly are reportedly ‘barely speaking’ off-screen.

BAFTA presenters Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan also took the opportunity to make light of the situation. They did so by referencing the time the two This Morning presenters were scolded by the public for skipping the queue to visit the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Romesh kicked off the jokes just minutes into the show, saying: "Some incredible programmes have been nominated this year."

Rob responded: "Imelda Staunton is here, it's exciting isn't it? She's nominated for her performance in The Crown, apparently Phil and Holly got to watch that a couple of days before everybody else."

A list of the awards’ nominees and winners can be viewed on the official BAFTAs website.