Lennie James has claimed the Best Leading Actor prize at the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall on May 11, for his transformative performance in the adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s Mr. Loverman. Commanding the spotlight among a field of celebrated nominees, James stood out for his portrayal of Barrington Jedidiah Walker, besting a lineup that included David Tennant for Rivals, Gary Oldman for Slow Horses, Martin Freeman for The Responder, Richard Gadd for Baby Reindeer, and Toby Jones for Mr. Bates vs The Post Office.
Hosted by Alan Cumming, this year’s BAFTAs marked a significant cultural moment, with Mr. Loverman and Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office dominating the night’s awards. For Lennie James, whose career has already spanned iconic roles such as Morgan Jones in The Walking Dead, this win underscores his range and depth as an actor, bringing complex and unconventional characters to life on screen. The series was adapted by Nathaniel Price and directed by Hong Khaou, known for his critically acclaimed work on Lilting.
Mr. Loverman tells the compelling story of Barrington “Barry” Walker, an Antiguan-born Londoner caught in a web of secrecy and love, as he navigates an affair that defies his wife’s assumptions about infidelity. The drama is drawn from Evaristo’s Booker Prize-winning novel, and Lennie James’s nuanced interpretation has been widely celebrated for its vulnerability and resonance. The show’s success was amplified further by Ariyon Bakare’s win for Best Supporting Actor, highlighting the cast’s overall strength.
Lennie James expressed his gratitude during an emotional acceptance speech, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling and the privilege of portraying such a complex character.
“Bringing Barrington Walker’s journey to television has been a profound honor,”
James said,
“and I am grateful to the viewers and the creative team who believed in this story.”
Unfortunately, while Mr. Loverman has earned critical acclaim in the UK, with a flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series is not yet available to audiences outside Britain. Discussions are ongoing, and many hope that Lennie James’s standout BAFTA win will pave the way for international access. The cast features talented actors such as Sharon D. Clarke, Tamara Lawrance, Sharlene Whyte, Suzette Llewellyn, Lochlann Ó Mearáin, and Tahl Miles, each adding depth to a story about love, family, and acceptance.
Looking ahead, Lennie James is set to return to television screens in season 4 of Mayor of Kingstown alongside Jeremy Renner, and he continues to expand his impressive resume with recent roles including the voice of Obasi in Mufasa: The Lion King, as well as an appearance in the upcoming film The End. His win at the BAFTAs not only affirms his talent, but also opens new conversations about representation and storytelling in contemporary television.
The recognition of Lennie James at the BAFTA awards signals an exciting new chapter, demonstrating how powerful performances can resonate across cultures and industries. As discussions about availability continue, viewers around the world are eager to experience Mr. Loverman and witness firsthand the role that brought Lennie James to the center stage of British television excellence.
