Stephen Fry to host BAFTAs in 2017 despite backlash over ‘bag lady’ comment

Stephen Fry has been invited back to host the British Academy Film Awards, despite sparking a backlash over his “bag lady” joke at this year’s ceremony.

The comedian, 59, will host the event at its new venue, the Royal Albert Hall, in February.

It will be the twelfth time Fry has hosted the film ceremony, which has previously been held at London's Royal Opera House.

Fry came under fire after he made a joke at costume design winner Jenny Beavan’s expense earlier this year.

Beaven accepted her award at the star-studded event, dressed in a leather jacket, scarf, and trousers.

As she left the stage, Fry joked: “Only one of the great cinematic costume designers would come to the awards ceremony dressed like a bag lady.”

He was criticised online, with one person tweeting: "Uncool of Stephen Fry to say bafta winning costume designer dressed like a 'bag lady'. I was thinking it was cool she wore what she wanted."

Another wrote: "Woah @stephenfry that 'Bag Lady' comment was so uncalled for. #EEBAFTAs."

Fry later responded to his critics in a series of Tweets, saying: “So just a word to the tragic figures who think calling Jenny Bevan [sic] a bag lady was an insult. She’s a dear friend and she got it. Derrr.

“Will all you sanctimonious f****** f*** the f*** off Jenny Beavan is a friend and joshing is legitimate. Christ I want to leave the planet.”

Beavan later addressed the remark, telling The Telegraph: “Yes we are friends, and I am absolutely not upset, but I don't want to talk any further because if I talk about it - it will just create more fuss."

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