The British Academy Television Awards first took place on 23rd October 1954 when six awards were presented.The event has come a long way since then but the goal is still to recognise and reward excellence, enabling BAFTA to remain the flagship awards and the highest honour within the British Television Industry. In 2005, the ceremony will be held at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane followed by the dinner and after show party at Grosvenor House on Park Lane.

The British Academy Television Awards in 2005, will be sponsored for the first time by Pioneer GB Limited.The Awards were previously sponsored by Radio Times for 6 years since the separation from the Film Awards. This high profile ceremony is also supported by a full portfolio of event suppliers.

The Awards in 2004 were hosted by Davina McCall and included the best of British talent from both in front of and behind the cameras. Amongst the guests were David Jason, Robson Green, Ricky Tomlinson, Helen Mirren, Jonathan Ross, Paula Radcliffe, Jim Broadbent, Jane Leeves, Ray Winstone, Julie Walters, Ricky Gervais and Chris Noth.

Last year, the ceremony was transmitted on ITV and received an average audience share of 6.4 million, peaking at 7 million viewers. The broadcast of the British Academy Television Awards traditionally annually alternates between BBC and ITV.