Alison Hammond divides BAFTA viewers as they ask…

Alison Hammond divides BAFTA viewers as they ask 'what?' and 'why?'

She's brings smiles to faces of fans while presenting on This Morning and on Sunday night Alison Hammond had a new gig. The TV favourite joined legendary actor Richard E. Grant at London's Royal Festival Hall to host the BAFTA Film Awards 2023.

Alison, 48, presented the new BAFTA Studio, going behind-the-scenes at the awards screened on BBC One. While Withnail and I actor Richard fronted the ceremony former Big Brother contestant Alison, who last year celebrated 20 years with ITV chat show This Morning, interviewed the glitzy guests and night’s winners.

Viewers were left divided as @davidbaxter_1 tweeted: "Richard E Grant and Alison Hammond,…. the new Mick Fleetwood and Sam Fox." And @SidThomas19 grumbled: "Why is Alison Hammond presenting The BAFTA's? Totally the wrong fit."

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But @ratcliff_jake asked: "Can we have less of these people winning awards and more of Alison Hammond please?" And @terrettcorey demanded: "This show needs more Alison Hammond."

Some picked fault with an interview with Dame Helen Mirren, who paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II during the ceremony. Dame Helen, 77, won an Oscar and a BAFTA for her portryal of the monarch in 2006's biographical drama The Queen.

Alison and co-hosts Richard E. Grant (BBC)

Alison breezily asked the Academy Award, Emmy Award and Tony Award-winner: "Are we going out tonight by the way? Are we going to an after party?" But Helen turned her down, explaining: "No. I have to get up at six o clock in the morning." "So, no parties tonight?" pressed Alison. And Dame Helen replied: "No I have to go to Berlin."

@AndrewJazzie tweeted: "Can Alison Hammond actually let people speak? What a waste of Helen Mirren. These 'interviews' are infuriating."

@SueHomeyard said: "Interviewing Helen Mirren. Well not so much interviewing as having an awkward conversation with. Cringe." And @HeatherBo63 asked: "Helen Mirren talking to Alison Hammond. Oh dear, whose idea was it to add this interview thingy? Just awful. It’s not #ThisMorning."

@missalexhayes asked: "Why is acceptable to not have all the craft categories properly televised but have @AlisonHammond spend 5 minutes interviewing Geri Halliwell about who she spoke to on the red carpet. Clearly more interested in celebrity than the crews who have worked really hard."

@LeeeHoward said: "Not quite sure what some of the #BAFTAs awards are for - clumsy announcements - and then #AlisonHammond - bless her - misplaced as a light chatty daytime presenter in an evening celebration of year-long talent."

@hitchinchrisd asked about the backstage interviews: "Why is the Alison Hammond bit there? Is it for bbc America for commercials?? It’s so disjointed." And @MzMayRene asked: "What is the essence of #AlisonHammond section of #BAFTA2023 tonight? Just get on with the award show!"

But @muldoon85 praised: "@AlisonHammond looking absolutely stunning." And @MatthewRimmer said: "Alison Hammond should have been on stage with Richard throughout."

@AoifeG tweeted: "It’s so lovely seeing @AlisonHammond presenting @BAFTA! She’s doing a great job!" And @monkeyboymorgan said: "I'm starting a petition so we can have @AlisonHammond present all of the #BAFTAs ceremony next year."

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