BBC backed as Wolf Hall scoops Baftas

Mark Rylance in Wolf Hall

BBC drama Wolf Hall scooped two gongs at last night’s Bafta Television Awards, which saw the show’s director and other industry heavyweights defend the pubcaster’s independence.

The period miniseries, based on the Hilary Mantel novel of the same name and its sequel Bring Up the Bodies, took Best Drama Series as well as Best Actor for Mark Rylance. The drama follows the rise of Thomas Cromwell at the Tudor court and stars Rylance as Cromwell and Homeland actor Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII.

Director Peter Kosminsky used his acceptance speech at London’s Royal Festival Hall last night to defend the BBC, saying it was “under threat.”

It comes as the BBC’s royal charter, which governs its remit, is due to be renewed at the end of the year. The last 12 months have seen numerous execs hit back at government criticism of the UK pubcaster, including questions over whether the corporation should compete for international formats.

Comedian and actor Sir Lenny Henry, who was honoured with a special award for his outstanding contribution to television, used his speech to call for the BBC to include diversity as part of its charter.

Elsewhere, Peter Kay’s Car Share, which first made an appearance on BBC iPlayer, won Best Scripted Comedy, with Kay picking up Best Male Comedy Performance.

The Single Drama category was won by BBC3’s Don’t Take My Baby, while Channel 4’s This is England ’90 took home Best Mini-Series.

Meanwhile, the International gong was scooped by Amazon’s transgender drama Transparent.

On the factual side, it was a good night for Channel 4 with a number of the broadcaster’s shows picking up awards. My Son the Jihadi won Best Single Documentary, The Murder Detectives scooped Factual Series and First Dates took home the prize for Best Reality and Constructed Factual.