BAFTAs host Alan Cumming on the secret way he communicates with Traitors' Claudia Winkleman
The US Traitors host Alan Cumming is set to present the British Academy Television Awards this weekend and has opened up on his friendship with Traitors UK host Claudia Winkleman.
Alan Cumming will be hosting the BAFTA TV Awards in London this weekend
(Image: BAFTA/Rachell Smith )
This weekend, Alan Cumming will be hosting the British Academy Television Award and despite also hosting the Traitors US, the British equivalent of the reality game show is up for several awards including one for a fan favourite moment.
The Scotsman and Claudia Winkleman, both hosts of the hit reality series The Traitors in their respective countries, have found a unique way to connect despite never having met. Both, The Traitors UK hosted by Claudia and The Traitors US hosted by Alan, are filmed in Ardross Castle in Scotland, and as a result the pair have been leaving notes for each other on set.
He said: "Isn't it nuts? We might be the same person because you've never seen us in the same room. We have mutual friends and nearly met years ago." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
Claudia has helmed The Traitors UK since 2022, which amusingly is shot in Scotland—Alan's birthplace. In the following year, Alan slipped into his distinct cape to present the U.S. edition of the popular BBC programme.
Although they have not yet met, Alan and Claudia have already formed a silent understanding with one another. He shared: "We were the guinea pigs for the show so there was some trepidation about doing something new."
He admitted: "We leave messages for each other on the make-up mirror."
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There was a moment when Alan considered appearing on Claudia's BBC Radio 2 broadcast to publicise his US version of The Traitors. He revealed: "I realised I'd have to get up at 4am because I was in New York. Sorry, Claudia. I love – but not that much!".
Alan is just as busy outside of his castle duties. He recently had a stint in Doctor Who and is now gearing up to reprise his beloved role as Nightcrawler in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, for the first time since 2003.
"I'm a little achy from doing my stunt training," Alan confessed, noting the nostalgia and excitement of returning to past roles. "It's amazing when things come back into your life. If you live long enough, all things return but there'll also be new things that augment them."
For now though, the Scotsman, who is soon to turn 60, will be hosting the BAFTAs this Sunday, May 11, and The Traitors UK is in contention for several awards.
"It's like going to a massive showbiz wedding," Alan quipped. "That's the thing about getting older – these events become reunions."
He expressed real enthusiasm for the team behind The Traitors UK, who are also involved with the US edition. He explained: "It's great because Studio Lambert make my version too, I really like them."
Alan feels closely intertwined with The Traitors, even adding his creative flair to the screenplay. "I understand what's needed at certain points," he noted, "As you get older, you have a few strings to your bow and occasionally, one job plucks all your strings."
His biggest challenge in the role isn't the lines or the action—it's maintaining his composure. "Sometimes, I think I'm being implacable but I'm actually rolling my eyes or gasping," he shared about trying to keep a straight face on set.
This year's BAFTAs has seen a nomination for an incredibly iconic moment from The Traitors UK, when Diane announced that Paul wasn't her son... but Ross was.
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The scene from the second season has been nominated for the 'Memorable Moment' award alongside the famous wedding scene from Gavin and Stacey's finale episode.
It's the moment that got us all waiting with baited breath on Christmas Day, when Smithy asks Mick what he should do during his wedding to Sonia. The award itself is voted on by the public and the aim is to celebrate impactful elements of the last year of television.
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The Bafta Television Awards will be hosted by Scottish actor and presenter, Alan Cumming, and taking place on May 11. The award show will be broadcast on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 7pm to 9pm.
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