BAFTA has announced that it has changed its eligibility rules following controversy over the inclusion of Killing Eve in its TV Awards earlier this year.
Killing Eve was the most successful show at this year’s BAFTA TV Awards, winning three trophies, including best drama series and best actress for Jodie Comer.
Many argued that the BBC thriller should not been included in the Awards, as it premiered in the US before it was shown in the UK. Until now, BAFTA rules have stated that a programme must have premiered in the UK to be eligible for an award.
Though the show was produced in the UK, it was commissioned by BBC America, and so aired in the US first.
Following Killing Eve’s success, BAFTA has now changed its eligibility rules to include programmes which first aired outside the UK, but were broadcast to UK audiences within the calendar year.
Hannah Wyatt, chair of BAFTA’s Television Committee, said: “We are always looking to reflect the ever-changing industry, ensuring our rules remain fit for purpose.
“As we see British creative talent and productions increasingly capturing global audiences, we feel now in the right time to make this adjustment.”
