BAFTA TV Award viewers say the same thing as Happy Valley misses out on best drama gong

Happy Valley was up for five TV Bafta Awards at the glitzy ceremony in London tonight, May 12, including Leading Actress, Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor. But it was pipped to the post for Best Drama by critically acclaimed and fan favourite Netflix drama Top Boy.

Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire scooped up the Lead Actress award for her role as copper Catherine Cawood in Sally Wainwright's massively popular BBC drama. She said as she collected the award: “Thank you Bafta, it’s an honour. I would like to acknowledge my fellow nominees and their tremendous work.

“Sally Wainwright, I shall forever be grateful to you for this opportunity,” Lancashire added, praising the writer of the crime drama set in West Yorkshire.I feel very, very privileged to have been surrounded by these brilliant actors and I thank each and every one of you.”

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But, fans of the show were not impressed that Top Boy, a massive hit in its own right, beat Happy Valley - which came to an end in February 2023 after three series. One fan said on X: "Unbelievable! Happy Valley robbed blind."

Another said: "Nah f that Happy Valley is the best tv show EVER." The reaction that Happy Valley was robbed was a popular one: "Happy Valley was robbed," added another fan.

Top Boy's producer Charles Steel paid tribute to stars Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson as he collected the award and viewers on X got behind the London-set drama which started in 2011 on Channel 4 before moving to Netflix.

"Top Boy was brilliant and well deserved and all u happy valley fans its what i call tough sh*t. Can't win them all." A second added: "Top Boy was a phenomenal drama with spectacular performances and 100% deserved its Bafta."

Jasmine Jobson, who won the supporting actress prize earlier in the ceremony, added about the show and its legacy for her: “I just want to say I am the woman who has been standing in a group full of men, you have shown me what it is to be strong and independent and how important it is to stand out in a crowd full of people where it’s easy to be invisible.

“Netflix, Top Boy, you changed my life.” You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.