Former Death in Paradise star Ardal O'Hanlon has made a lighthearted and surprising confession, admitting he "can't remember" whether he has actually won a BAFTA award. The actor and comedian revealed this humorous memory lapse during an appearance on ITV's Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, sparking laughter and nostalgia among viewers.
A BAFTA Brain Fade on Live Television
The amusing moment unfolded as host Alan Titchmarsh and his guests, including Ardal O'Hanlon and actress Greta Scacchi, discussed the BAFTA ceremony taking place in London that same evening. Titchmarsh joked about not being nominated himself, setting the stage for Ardal's candid response.
When prompted about his BAFTA status, Ardal, best known for his role as DI Jack Mooney in the BBC crime drama Death in Paradise, initially claimed, "BAFTA winner, yeah, I think so." He then quickly backtracked with a laugh, stating, "I can't remember. I'm certainly a nominee. It's a long time ago."
From Father Ted to Award Show Antics
The comedian, who rose to fame as Father Dougal McGuire in the iconic sitcom Father Ted, quipped further, "For the purposes of this show, yes, I've won numerous BAFTAs!" He clarified that he was indeed nominated for a BAFTA many years ago, reflecting on the significance of the prestigious event in his career.
Ardal shared heartfelt memories of his first BAFTA experience, describing it as a pinch-me moment. "It was the first sort of big thing I did on British TV all those years ago with Father Ted," he recalled. "You're in this room with all these incredibly talented people you've admired from your couch for a decade, and suddenly you're hobnobbing with them."
Bathroom Banter with Joan Collins
In a charming anecdote, Ardal recounted how his wife attended his first BAFTA event and ended up bonding with legendary actress Joan Collins in the bathroom. "She had grown up watching Joan Collins in Dynasty, and there she was swapping eye shadow with her in the bathroom," he said, highlighting the surreal and memorable nature of such gatherings.
While Father Ted itself won a BAFTA, Ardal received a nomination for his performance in the sitcom back in 1999. His appearance on Love Your Weekend provided a glimpse into the lighter side of award show culture, blending humor with personal reflection.
Death in Paradise continues to air on the BBC, and Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh is broadcast on ITV, offering fans more opportunities to catch their favorite stars in candid moments.
