Ben Lock's Final Blog: A Higher Power

30 November 09

I’m convinced there’s a higher power. There were signs. A late cab meant being rained on for 20 mins. Battling road works, Christmas traffic and street closures meant arriving 45 minutes late. The champagne bottles empty and a corner table in the wings (Bowfinger anyone?). Our view blocked by an apologetic camera man’s bottom and my own camera dead. I knew our fate was sealed.

But then things turned around. There was a great atmosphere and lovely people on our table. The dancing girls arrived and the presenters even told some decent jokes. Ah, here we were – the BAFTA’s! Trophies were soon handed out and cheers grew as more prizes meant more celebratory drinks. Our time would soon come!

Johnny Vegas appeared to present the Animation Award. We had stiff competition – the renowned McLeod Brothers, very popular Horrid Henry and a delightful Christmas Special from the very talented Studio AKA.... hmm tricky one. Could I dare to believe? As Johnny struggled reading the winner’s name– my heart leapt: that could only mean one thing. He must be baffled by the tongue twisting title of our show: Chop Socky Chooks. My breath stopped and then I heard the words: Lost and Found. A vacuum formed around me as time froze. The room fell silent, the floor opened up and my bubble like dream was shattered into tiny little pieces by their cheers.

Congratulations of course to winner’s Phil and Sue, but what would I tell the Canadians? They’d done so much. An amazing team of 30+ artists and crew led by Lesley Headrick at CORE in Toronto; Dan Smith, writer extraordinaire and our partners at DECODE. What of Paul Kaye and our unbelievable Voice Artists – Rob, Shelly and Patterson? They’d be heart-broken. I considered instantly re-entering us for the International Award! But too late - that had already been won by Penguins. I guess it was a year for Penguins...

So indeed the signs were there. I thank the higher powers for setting my expectations but also for inviting me along to what was a great night of celebration. Children’s TV has so much to offer and so much talent. We all have memories of what entertained us as children and TV/Film is a big part of that; I’m proud to have contributed too.

Oops I’ve written too many words, good thing I didn’t make a speech!

Thank you BAFTA, for my four weeks. And to you for reading my blog :)