Nominees for Virgin Media's Must See Moment Award 2021 are announced

Today, Virgin Media announces the six nominees for the Must-See Moment, the only award at the British Academy Television Awards that is voted for by the public. The winner will be announced during the Virgin Media BAFTAs on 6th June 2021, hosted by Richard Ayoade.

Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment Award celebrates the dramatic scenes, cliffhangers, laugh-out-loud and unforgettable TV moments of 2020 – the moments that kept the nation talking, tweeting and tuning in together.

The six Virgin Media Must-See Moment 2021 nominees are:

• Netflix, Bridgerton – Penelope is revealed as Lady Whistledown
• ITV 1, Britain’s Got Talent – Diversity perform a routine inspired by the events of 2020
• BBC One, EastEnders – Gray kills Chantelle
• Channel 4, Gogglebox – Reactions to Boris Johnson’s press conference
• BBC Two, Nigella: Cook, Eat, Repeat – Mee-cro-wah-vay
• Disney+, The Mandalorian – Luke Skywalker appears

Members of the public can vote for their favourite Virgin Media Must-See Moment online at www.virginmedia.com/bafta and Virgin Media customers can also vote through their television, via their TiVo®, V6 or Virgin TV 360 box.

Presenter, comedian, writer, actor and director, Richard Ayoade returns to host the Virgin Media BAFTAs for a second year, with the ceremony returning to a studio-based production being broadcast as-live on BBC One on the evening of Sunday 6 June.

David Bouchier, Chief TV & Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media said:

“2020 was a year like no other and great television was at the heart of every moment that kept the nation connected, entertained and informed. Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment recognises the TV moments that played such a powerful role in all of our lives throughout the past year. As households across the country stayed at home, TV became our main source of entertainment and distraction, with people turning to television more than ever before to tune into the latest news or catch up on the moment that everyone was talking about. We can’t wait to see who the public will crown the fifth winner of our Must-See Moment award."

Hannah Wyatt, Chair of BAFTA’s Television Committee, said:

“Television in 2020 showcased the importance of entertainment and demonstrated incredible craft, gripping scriptwriting and brilliant visual spectacles which captivated the British viewer. From bringing nostalgic favourites back, to raising awareness about hugely important issues, the shows and moments nominated for Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment Award 2021 reflect our TV habits of the last year and perfectly celebrate the relationship between the TV viewers at home and the people who make it. I can’t wait to see who the public choose to be their Virgin Media Must-See Moment winner, in what is sure to be a close contest.”

Quote from Virgin Media's Must-See Moment Judge, Caitlin Moran:

“2020 showed us all just how essential TV is; it saw everyday watercooler conversations shift from “What have you been up to?” to “What have you been watching?” and these Must-See Moments are the height of what kept us talking and connecting with loved ones when we could no longer do so in person. It was a privilege to once again represent the fans at home in the virtual jury room, to ensure all their favourites have a chance to win. Who will take home the title? It’s time to vote for your Virgin Media Must-See Moment of the year.”

The nominees were chosen from a longlist based on audience viewing figures (BARB), social listening data (TalkWalker) and vigorous desk research to ensure strong representation of TV viewing across the country. The final shortlist of six nominees were then selected by an independent jury of national media experts including TV critic Caitlin Moran. The virtual jury was chaired by BAFTA Television Committee Chair Hannah Wyatt.

Nominations for the Virgin Media BAFTAs and the British Academy Television Craft Awards will be jointly announced at 7.30am BST on Wednesday 28 April on BAFTA website and Twitter.

Notes to editors:

For accreditation, photography, BAFTA logos, press releases and more visit www.bafta.org/press

About the Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment nominations: virginmedia.com/bafta

#VirginMediaBAFTAs #MustSeeMoment

 

Netflix, Bridgerton – Penelope is revealed as Lady Whistledown
Episode: Season 1 Episode 8, After the Rain 

Moment snapshot - Who is the mysterious Lady Whistledown? She’s rocked London’s high society by revealing their secrets in her scandal sheet, while keeping her identity concealed. But in the last episode, a dramatic flashback reveals to viewers that Lady Whistledown is none other than... Penelope Featherington! 

Moment description - Voiced by Julie Andrews, the mysterious Lady Whistledown has rocked London’s high society by revealing their secrets in her scandal sheet, while keeping her identity concealed. A scheme to trap her at the printers is foiled by Eloise Bridgerton, who believes Genevieve Delacroix is the writer. But when Eloise discovers Genevieve has an alibi, she realises the mystery remains. In a dramatic flashback to the night at the printers, we see Lady Whistledown escaping in her carriage, before she removes her hood to reveal that she is none other than... Penelope Featherington!

 

ITV 1, Britain’s Got Talent – Diversity perform a routine inspired by the events of 2020

Episode: Semi-final 1

Moment snapshot and description – Diversity’s performance is an artistic interpretation of the events of 2020. Set to a medley of powerful music and using the viral poem, ‘The Great Realisation’, the performance portrays the coronavirus pandemic, the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.  

 

BBC One, EastEnders – Gray kills Chantelle

Episode: Episode 6132

Moment snapshot – Gray has physically and psychologically abused his wife Chantelle for years – until now. Chantelle finally summons the courage she’s sought for so long and stands up to her abusive husband. Humiliated, Gray refuses to let Chantelle leave and, in a violent tussle, murders her.

Moment description – The threat of violence hangs in the air once more. But this time Chantelle’s alive with a burning resolve, having finally summoned the courage to leave her violent and controlling husband. She’s found her voice, and knows it’s now or never. Terrified but determined, and propelled by adrenaline, she cuts into Gray’s ego, forcing him to listen as she tells him she’s leaving him and taking the kids with her. She’s frank in saying she doesn’t love him anymore. As the scene reaches its harrowing crescendo, a defiant Chantelle screams at Gray to get out of her way. Humiliated, Gray refuses to let Chantelle leave and, in a violent tussle, murders her.

 

Channel 4, Gogglebox – Reactions to Boris Johnson’s press conference

Episode: Episode 11

Moment snapshot - The nation’s armchair critics offer up their opinions on the memorable moment a tousle-haired Boris Johnson returns to work after his battle with Covid-19. They become increasingly puzzled by the Government's plans for lockdown while debating the need for caution versus their desire to get down to the pub! 

Moment description - The nation’s armchair critics offer up their opinions on the memorable moment a tousle-haired Boris Johnson returns to work for his post-hospitalisation press conference. The Gogglebox families react scathingly to Johnson’s attempted call to arms, as he describes coronavirus as an ‘unexpected mugger’. They become increasingly puzzled by the Government's hazy plans for the future of lockdown while debating the need for continued caution versus their desire to get down to the pub!  

 

BBC Two, Nigella: Cook, Eat, Repeat – Mee-cro-wah-vay

Episode: Episode 5

Moment snapshot - Domestic goddess Nigella Lawson is busy in her kitchen making a divine-sounding brown butter colcannon. While adding a splash of milk to her potatoes, she baffles fans with some unusual pronunciation, explaining, “ I still need to add a bit of milk which I’ve warmed in the mee-cro-wah-vay”.  

Moment description - Domestic goddess Nigella Lawson is busy in her kitchen making a divine-sounding brown butter colcannon. While talking to the camera, she moves onto the potato-mashing step, where we get a peek inside the pan. While adding a splash of milk, Nigella turns to the camera and baffles fans with some unusual pronunciation, explaining, “ I’m aiming for a solid mash at this stage, but I still need to add a bit of milk which I’ve warmed in the mee-cro-wah-vay”. The camera pans up and Nigella gives a knowing smile as she continues with her recipe. 

 

Disney+, The Mandalorian – Luke Skywalker Arrives

Episode: Chapter 16: The Rescue

Moment snapshot - The Mandalorian and his allies are trapped aboard Moff Gideon’s ship, having rescued young Grogu. As Imperial Dark Troopers close in, a mysterious hooded figure arrives and eliminates the droids with a green lightsaber. The doors open – it’s Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker, who’s come to train Grogu.

Moment description - Grogu’s been rescued, but the Mandalorian and his allies are still trapped aboard Moff Gideon’s starship with Imperial Dark Troopers closing in. Out of nowhere, a lone X-wing Starfighter appears out the window and lands in the ship’s docking bay. The enemy droids turn to meet the new arrival – a mysterious hooded figure dressed in black – who, wielding a green lightsaber, makes easy prey of the droids. Through the monitors, Grogu appears to connect with this unknown Force-wielder. With the Dark Troopers gone, the Mandalorian orders the blast doors to be opened and the figure enters. A young Luke Skywalker pulls off his hood – the Jedi Knight has arrived to take Grogu under his care, so the Mandalorian must say goodbye to his small companion.

For further information, please contact: 

Emma Sweet, M&C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment (on behalf of Virgin Media)
T 07592121384
E [email protected]

Laura Martin, M&C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment (on behalf of Virgin Media)
T 07885721635
E [email protected]

Olivia McKee, Virgin Media
T  07815516027
E [email protected]

Amanda Hearn, Multitude Media (on behalf of BAFTA)
T 0207 299 4254
E [email protected]