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Stephen Fry to host BAFTAs again despite 'bag lady' joke

stephen fry
Ainhoa Barcelona
Content Managing Editor
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Stephen Fry will host the BAFTAs for the twelfth time next year.

The presenter will return to the stage despite the social media backlash he received last year after calling costume designer winner Jenny Beavan a "bag lady".

Jenny accepted her award in jeans, a T-shirt and a leather jacket and after her speech, Stephen quipped: "Only one of the greatest cinematic costume designers would come to the awards ceremony dressed like a bag lady."

stephen fry© Photo: Getty Images

Stephen Fry will host the BAFTAs for the 12th time next year

The comedian, 59, came under fire for his remarks but later tweeted that Jenny was a dear friend.

"So just a word to the tragic figures who think calling Jenny Beavan a bag lady was an insult. She's a dear friend and she got it. Derrr. Christ I want to leave the planet," he wrote.

Stephen followed it up with a photo of the pair at the BAFTAs afterparty and captioned it: "Jenny Baglady Beavan and Stephen Outrageous Misogynist Swine Fry."

Speaking to The Telegraph after the incident, Jenny clarified: "Yes we are friends, and I am absolutely not upset. But I don't want to talk any further because if I talk about it, it will just create more fuss."

stephen fry2© Photo: Getty Images

The presenter with husband Elliott Spencer

Next year's ceremony will take place on 12 February 2017 at a new location, the Royal Albert Hall. The UK's biggest film ceremony has previously been held at London's Royal Opera House.

Nominations will be announced on 10 January.

The ceremony will also feature Cirque de Soleil, which will be in residence at the Royal Albert Hall at the time of the awards.

"I am thrilled we have the opportunity to work with Cirque du Soleil during its season at the Royal Albert Hall, and have no doubt that next year's ceremony will be all the more magical for this creative collaboration," said Bafta chief executive Amanda Berry.