Strictly Come Dancing to Receive BAFTA Special Award

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced that much-loved entertainment programme Strictly Come Dancing will be honoured with the Special Award at this year's British Academy Television Craft Awards on Sunday 27 April at The Brewery, London.

This year's Special Award celebrates the outstanding creative and technical teamwork behind Strictly Come Dancing that has delivered consistently high-quality, live entertainment over the past ten years of production.

Andrew Newman, Chairman of BAFTA's Television Committee, said: "This Special Award commends the outstanding craftsmanship of the phenomenon that is Strictly Come Dancing, which has set new standards for talent and creativity both here in the UK and around the world. This Award is to honour those craft people who bring a show that entertains millions each week to life. The team of talented individuals across many departments such as lighting, costume, cameras, hair and make-up, music, direction and editing - to name a few - are directly responsible for the format's success and we congratulate everyone involved. They really have raised the bar for studio entertainment across the globe."

Receiving the Award, on behalf of the whole production is series director Nikki Parsons. She said: "We are so excited to be given this Special Award by BAFTA. We have extremely talented and creative people at every level on the team, working hard to deliver the highest quality of live television each week and I am very proud to be a part of it. Everyone gives 110% to give the show the highest possible production values throughout every series, so it is an honour for us to be recognised for our contribution to the huge success of Strictly over the last 10 years."

Katie Taylor, Controller of Entertainment Production, BBC said: "The creativity and production values on Strictly are second to none and it's wonderful that the Academy are bestowing this honour and the spotlight on this hugely talented team."

BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing first broadcast in 2004 and completed its eleventh series in December 2013. The show sees professional ballroom dancers paired with a celebrity, learn a new dance each week, and then perform live for the nation and the Strictly Come Dancing judges. The format has been sold to over 40 different territories around the world, with millions tuning in to versions in the United States, India, France and Australia, making it one of the industry's most successful entertainment formats created.

The nominations for the British Academy Television Craft Awards will be announced on Monday 24 March.

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