In conversation with... Stacey Dooley

As a documentary-maker and TV presenter, Stacey has been on screens for nearly two decades. Presenting a wide range of shows, from Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over to Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star. But, when it comes to our TV Craft Awards, this is just her second time as BAFTA’s master of ceremonies.

Speaking to BAFTA Young Presenter Kara Gillespie on a Zoom call – with Stacey’s newborn baby bobbing up and down on her lap – she described hosting the Awards as “more moments to support industry peers and friends”.

Kara Gillespie. A young white woman with blonde hair plaited away from her face. She is wearing a long cream dress and black blazer and sat on a blue box. — Kara Gillespie is one of BAFTA's Young Presenters, she interviewed Stacey Dooley over zoom.

Stacey Dooley. A tanned white woman with slicked back red hair on stage. She is wearing a strapless silvery mesh top with black belt detail on the top. — Stacey Dooley spoke to Kara Gillespie ahead of her second year presenting the BAFTA TV Craft Awards in 2025.

Kara Gillespie: This is your second time hosting the awards, what are you most looking forward to this time?

Stacey Dooley: It’s always amazing to see someone you admire go on stage to accept an award for the amazing work they do. For example, when Jack Rooke won Comedy Writer for Big Boys last year. I’ve been filming documentaries for 18 years, working with so many like-minded people, and it’s such a privilege to support them. While hosting I would always look out for people in the audience that I recognize and be amazed by all the talent in the room. It is such a lovely feeling!

KG: What was a favourite moment from last year?

SD: [Reading] those first few paragraphs just after you walk onto the stage is really special. You get to set the tone for the rest of the evening and make sure everyone is warmed-up and welcomed.

KG: What is your favourite category?

SD: I think my favourites are the ones where you can really showcase a craft to the viewer, such as Costume Design, Make-up and Hair Design or Production Design. People watch elaborate sets and costumes and worlds on the telly, and now we get to award those brilliant people for bringing the audience into that world.

KG: I know you have been a part of a lot of documentaries – which was the most meaningful for you?

SD: Two Daughters had an enormous impact on me. It is a horrifying story of Mina Smallman, whose daughters were murdered in 2020. Mina was approached by quite a few channels to make a documentary about the case, and had told them she would only accept being a part of it if I was involved. It was such a difficult story to tell but Mina was really pleased with how it turned out, and that made me happy – to know that we told the story of her and her daughters in a way that honours them.

KG: Have there been any funny moments during the filming of a show?

SD: Ooh! While I was filming Inside the Convent with a lovely bunch of nuns. One of them, Sister Grace, was telling me they each have only £70 a year to spend freely. While filming I needed a new hairdryer so ordered myself a fancy high-end one, worth a lot more than £70. But when it arrived the sisters had to deliver it to me. I was so embarrassed!

KG: I would really like to make my own documentary. What advice would you give me?

SD: Definitely to be yourself. At the beginning of my career, there could’ve been temptation to conform but I wanted to do my own thing in my own style. But I was assured by directors and the people I worked with on set that I was chosen because of how I do things and my style. My advice is to be authentic, don’t see what other people are doing and try to copy them to fit in.

KG: Who inspired you when you were younger?

SD: My girl crush when I was younger was Lyse Doucet, she is such an impressive journalist. I was very lucky to meet her last year: she was so generous with her time with me and very gracious. I am also a big fan of Orla Guerin and of course, Louis Theroux!

KG: Do you have any advice for younger people wanting to be a presenter?

SD: Again, be authentic! It is easier now to put yourself out there with social media, and to show yourself to the world. Examples of figures who started online would be someone like Mo Gilligan who started out on Instagram, or GK Barry who is so smart and funny. More and more channels are looking online for new talent, so if you want to have a presenting career, get yourself out there online and have fun.

KG: What behind the scenes role would you like to do, if not in front of the camera presenting?

SD: I now have my own production company, which I really enjoy – being in control and choosing my projects behind the scenes. However, as a producer you come up with what you think are amazing ideas and then you do get a lot of rejections. It is hard work, a lot more work than presenting.

KG: If you could talk to your younger self, what would you like to let her know?

SD: There is always a seat at the table, and we’ve all got something to say. No matter who you are, where you studied, what your background is, there is always a space for you if you want it. You may feel out of place to start with, but your voice matters and you can achieve amazing things.

There has been a positive change in representation in the industry, and we are heading in the right direction [to bring in] more voices into the conversation. But there is still more room for growth.