ITV’s This Morning has been presented with a BAFTA Special Award to celebrate it’s 30-year contribution to creativity and innovation in daytime TV production.

This Morning is ITV’s longest-running British daytime TV programme. Currently it is presented by Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Eamonn Holmes OBE and Ruth Langsford.

The show has received the award for its outstanding contribution to the industry, the originality of its approach, and its enduring popular appeal. It was also celebrated for the support it has provided to many working in factual entertainment today, particularly in the North West of England.

A creative catalyst

The first episode of This Morning was broadcast live in October 1988, hosted by husband and wife team Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. It was initially broadcast from Granada Studio on Albert Dock in Liverpool, and acted as a catalyst for the North West TV production hub.

“We had this strange set up on the Albert Dock, it wasn’t even a proper studio. It was a converted car showroom and we felt like we were pioneering,” says Finnigan. “There was a joyous, wonderful feeling that we could do anything.”

“People come on This Morning and say, I came here because I trust you,” adds Schofield. “They tell you the worst possible thing that could happen to someone, and trust us with their story.”

Celebrating 30 years of incredible TV

Comedian Alan Carr hosted a special event at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly in London to celebrate the show and present the award. An event where current and former presenters shared insights alongside archive clips and special video interviews.

Krishnendu Majumdar, chair of BAFTA’s Television Committee, gave the award to the presenters alongside programme editor Martin Frizell and co-creator Dianne Nelmes. The group collected the award on behalf of the entire This Morning team, past and present.

Willoughby said: “To be stood here holding a BAFTA for a show that you are lucky enough to be part of is quite incredible. This Morning has the best team in TV and has done for 30 years.”

What is the BAFTA special Award?

A BAFTA Special Award is one of the academy’s highest honours recognising an outstanding contribution to film, games or TV. You can see more recipients in our Awards database.

This Morning was presented with a BAFTA Special Award at BAFTA 195 on 1 October 2018.

For more inspiring stories from the world of film, games and TV, explore our BAFTA Award Stories section.