The BBC is said to have edited portions of David Tennant’s monologue during the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, specifically omitting jokes directed at U.S. President Donald Trump. The ceremony, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 16, was recorded two hours prior to its broadcast.

As a result of time limitations, the final airing was condensed from three hours to two, leading to the exclusion of various segments, including some of Tennant’s remarks regarding Trump, according to Variety.

BBC edits out some of David Tennant’s Trump jokes

One of the omitted jokes compared Trump to the supernatural character Beetlejuice. Tennant joked:

“Donald Trump—I’m worried. I’ve said his name three times. It’s like Beetlejuice—I’ve summoned him.”

Another removed remark referenced The Apprentice, the film starring Sebastian Stan as a young Trump. Tennant joked that the former president had probably never watched the film because “it’s a 15 [referring to the UK film rating], and it’s not on Nickelodeon.”

Additionally, some of Tennant’s remarks about Conclave, including playful comparisons between the film’s setting and Pop Idol, and a joke about actor Stanley Tucci making the best Bellini cocktails, were also left out of the final broadcast.

Jokes that made it to air

Notwithstanding the revisions, one of Tennant's jokes concerning Trump was included in the final version. The actor humorously commented on Trump's distinctive hairstyle, stating:

“It’s the boldest architecture in film this year, apart from Donald Trump’s hair in The Apprentice.”

Additionally, another joke that was retained in the broadcast compared Trump to notorious villains, referencing:

“Nosferatu, Hugh Grant in Heretic, and most chilling of all, [Wallace and Gromit antagonist] Feather McGraw.”

BBC’s explanation for the edits

In addressing inquiries regarding the reductions, the BBC released a statement clarifying that the broadcast of the show necessitates editing due to time limitations. The network highlighted that such edits are commonplace, as the awards ceremony generally requires condensation prior to its airing.

Although Tennant’s monologue generated considerable discussion, the BAFTAs featured significant achievements. Both Conclave and The Brutalist garnered four awards each, with Adrien Brody receiving the Best Actor accolade and Brady Corbet being awarded Best Director for The Brutalist. Additionally, Mikey Madison from Anora surprised many by winning Best Actress, while Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain was awarded Best Original Screenplay.

Read Also: Shakira Admitted to Hospital Due to Abdominal Pain, Concert Postponed for Health Reasons

"Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!"