BAFTA has addressed the criticism it received after the late Bernard Cribbins was left out of the ‘in memoriam’ tribute last night.
In case you missed it, the British Academy’s annual film awards ceremony took place last night at London’s Southbank Centre presented by Richard E Grant and Alison Hammond, and stars of the silver screen turned out in their hundreds to celebrate the cinematic achievements of the past year.
Both massive blockbusters and beloved independent films took home iconic BAFTA golden mask statuettes – with All Quiet on the Western Front, The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, and Everything Everywhere All At Once all winning big.
Austin Butler, Cate Blanchett, Barry Keoghan, and Kerry Condon clinched the four acting prizes.
All Quiet on the Western Front‘s Edward Berger won Best Director, while the film also took home Best Adapted Screenplay, and The Banshees of Inisherin‘s writer and director Martin McDonagh accepted Best Original Screenplay.
While the award winners are always the focus and end up being the main talking points of the night, an ‘In Memoriam’ section is usually common place during award show broadcasts, with tributes paid to people in industry who have sadly lost their lives within the past year.
Angela Lansbury, James Caan, Olivia Newton-John, Leslie Philipps, William Hurt, Robbie Coltrane, and Burt Bacharach were just some of names who featured in BAFTA’s ‘In Memoriam’ tribute during last night’s ceremony – but viewers noticed one late famous face was missing from broadcast, and took to social media to call the British Academy out on the omission.
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Oldham-born actor Bernard Cribbins, who was most well-known and loved for his roles in The Railway Children, Doctor Who, and for his narration of The Wombles,sadly died aged 93 back in late July 2022 – yet he was not featured during last night’s ‘In Memoriam’ section at the BAFTA.
The 2023 BAFTAs were held at London’s Southbank Centre last night / Credit: BAFTA
Fans and former co-stars of the acting legend aimed criticism at BAFTA on Twitter after noticing his omission, and questioned the reason why he was left out – with his Railway Children co-star Sally Thomsett saying she was “absolutely appalled that the fabulous Bernard Cribbins was not mentioned” and that BAFTA “should be disgusted with themselves”.
Another Twitter user called Cribbins a “national treasure” and said they were “rather astonished” to not see him being honoured last night.
Remembering Bernard Cribbins – accomplished television AND film actor. And radio. And stage. If anyone deserved a few seconds on screen In Memoriam at #BAFTAs it was him. I do get he was prolific on TV and I'm sure we'll see him appropriately tributed at the TV awards in spring. pic.twitter.com/XrT1f0hF5H
Never thought we'd have to say this, but shame on @BAFTA for leaving out Bernard Cribbins from their 'In Memoriam' section.
Bernard was 100% a national treasure, and will NEVER be forgotten by the countless people who loved him and adored his characters! 💙💙#DoctorWho#BAFTApic.twitter.com/sxWSTlpFRG
Dozens of other questioning tweets directed at BAFTA flooded the platform during and after the show last night, and it was so much so that the British Academy was forced to address the situation and explain Cribbins’ omission from the tribute.
“With limited time in our broadcast, it isn’t possible to honour all those who have sadly passed away,” BAFTA explained.
“Bernard features in our online records, and given his influential work in TV, he will be considered for inclusion in the next Television Awards broadcast.”
With limited time in our broadcast it isn’t possible to honour all those who have sadly passed away. Bernard features in our online records at https://t.co/cN8n2nwp76 and given his influential work in TV, he will be considered for inclusion in the next Television Awards broadcast
The BAFTA Television Awards are expected to be held later this year on to celebrate the last year of the small screen.
Featured Image – BBC
Trending
More Metrolink disruption expected as further tram strikes have been scheduled
Danny Jones
Further disruption to the Bee Network is now expected during an already full-on time of year, as more Metrolink tram strikes have been scheduled over the festive period.
Put in the simplest terms, members of Unite the Union have said: “The dispute is over driver fatigue and fears that their shift patterns and lack of rest breaks are putting them and passengers at risk.”
As a result, they have now pencilled in protests on 19, 20 and 31 December, holding walkouts from their usual timetable.
A largely empty St Peter’s Square tram stop is a fairly rare sight to see. (Credit: The Manc)
In addition to the other pair of strikes planned for this coming weekend (5-7 Dec), the latest trio have been specifically timed in and around key dates on the city’s calendar.
As well as the return of Manchester’s firework display on St. Peter’s Square, the walk-outs will also coincide with a Manchester City fixture at the Etihad Stadium, as well as notable live music gigs like Jools Holland and Manc band, Doves.
Naturally, tens upon tens of thousands are set to use the Bee Network and trams, in particular, to travel to these events – reiterating just how important properly investing and staffing the Metrolink and other arms of Manchester’s public transport service is.
The most recent update from the union continues: “Unite has repeatedly raised issues with management, but has been told there is no funding available for improvements to working patterns.”
Their General Secretary, Sharon Graham, said as part of the most recent statement: “Driver fatigue is a serious problem. Our members are raising serious concerns about their and their passengers’ safety, but Metrolink management is burying its head in the sand.
“Management must sort this problem out once and for all. It can’t try to fob drivers off by putting profits before safety.”
Here are some of the scenes from the demonstrations earlier this year:
⏰HAPPENING NOW; when Transport for Greater Manchester wouldn't come to the table SO the strikers brought the table (*and chairs) to them! We're ready when you are TfGM. pic.twitter.com/io1OFHED8I
Union members have also clarified their position surrounding ‘fatigue’; it isn’t just the fear of possible risks in operating a tram whilst being “exhausted”, but both the wider mental and physical toll that working the current shift patterns has on workers.
One driver quoted as saying: “My colleagues are tired, but the fatigue is also giving them cold-like symptoms and many have been going off sick with stress, which adds to problems with staffing levels.”
So, if you’re planning on using the Metrolink this holiday season when travelling around for Christmas shopping or even just going home, make sure to keep the strike dates in mind.
Elsewhere, the Bee Network has also provided more information on the designs to bring tram lines to Stockport town centre. Read more down below.
Featured Images — David Dixon (via Geograph)/The Manc Group
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Lidl reveals one of Manchester’s most-bought items in new ‘Lidl Wrapped’
Daisy Jackson
Lidl has unveiled the most-bought items in each major city around the UK, launching its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ to share the nation’s shopping habits.
The supermarket chain has gathered data on the most purchased items from 10 cities around the country, to see what the top sellers in each city has been this year.
You might be expecting a clean sweep of boring stuff like milk and bread – but no, apparently Manchester has been obsessed with… avocados.
According to Lidl Wrapped, Manchester has developed an avocado obsession, while Leeds residents have collectively purchased more than 133 million peas, and Bristol has invested in 11 tonnes-worth of coleslaw.
To celebrate the Lidl Wrapped for 2025, the supermarket is now rolling out its own wrapping paper range, and opening free gift-wrapping stations at 10 stores nationwide.
Between the 4 and 17 December, you’ll be able to have your shopping wrapped up in Manchester’s exclusive design (which, yes, will have avocados on it) so your Middle of Lidl find can switch into the perfect present.
The pop-up gift-wrapping stations will also have interactive games with prizes, like in-store discounts and a £50 golden ticket.
Lidl reveals most-bought item in Manchester in new ‘Lidl Wrapped’. Credit: Lidl
You can also buy the wrapping paper in packs of three for just 75p, with all proceeds donated to Neighbourly.
Joanna Gomer, Marketing Director at Lidl GB commented: “This year, our customers have shown us once again that the weekly shop is about more than groceries, it’s about moments, surprises, and the little joys that make life easier and bring people together.
“Looking ahead to 2026, we’re focused on giving our customers even more to value, extra reasons to smile, and plenty of those Lidl surprises that keep them coming back for more.”
The free Lidl wrapping stations will be available from 9am while stocks last between 4 and 17 December.
‘Lidl Wrapped’ top groceries across the UK:
Birmingham – Roses
Bristol – Deluxe Creamy Coleslaw
Cardiff – 15 Welsh Mixed Weight Free Range Eggs
Edinburgh – Lighthouse Bay 2 Scottish Salmon Fillets
Emily Sergeant -
20th February 2023 
