The BBC drama Mr Loverman took home two of the night’s most prestigious acting prizes at the BAFTAs!

Lennie James won Best Leading Actor for his portrayal of Barry Walker, a 74-year-old Antiguan-Londoner whose double life unravels after the revelation of his decades-long relationship with his male best friend, Morris. Ariyon Bakare, who played Morris, received the Best Supporting Actor award, marking a milestone in his career and a significant win for a series praised for its emotional depth and cultural resonance.

“I didn’t think this was coming my way,” said James in his acceptance speech, calling the award a “fantastic honor” as he acknowledged fellow nominees including David Tennant, Martin Freeman and Richard Gadd. “Thank you for trusting us with your characters,” he added, paying tribute to the author of Mr Loverman Bernardine Evaristo for her groundbreaking storytelling.

Bakare, in his acceptance speech, emphasized the real historical people on whom Mr Loverman is based: “This award stands on the shoulders of those who came before me, those who might have been afraid to come out, to be who what they want to be, and I just say thank you for them.”

Mr Loverman has been widely praised for tackling themes rarely portrayed on British television—aging, sexuality, repression, and love within Britain’s Caribbean community. The series follows Barry Walker as he confronts the collapse of his marriage and the long-overdue reckoning with his identity. The show’s sensitive treatment of repressed homosexuality in immigrant communities has been lauded as both timely and courageous.

Adapted from Evaristo’s seventh novel, the series was not only a critical success but also a cultural touchstone, bringing visibility to stories often left untold.

With its dual BAFTA victories, Mr Loverman solidified its place as one of the year’s most important and celebrated dramas.