Where’s Ken? Star of The Missing is no-show at glitzy Bafta ceremony
WHEN the Scottish Bafta for best actor went to Ken Stott for his role in BBC drama The Missing, it was perhaps appropriate that the actor was a no-show.
It was left to fellow Scots thespian Julie Graham to explain to those who braved torrential rain to attend last night’s glitzy ceremony that Stott was unable to collect his gong after coming down with a last-minute bug.
‘It is not serious,’ said a source later. ‘He was hoping to come but had to call off at the last moment.’
Veteran actor Bill Paterson, meanwhile, was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the event, held at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu hotel.
The 70-year-old Glaswegian, who has appeared in a host of hit films and TV shows including The Killing Fields and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, said he was ‘thrilled’ to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Film and TV award, whose former recipients include Billy Connolly, Robbie Coltrane and filmmaker Bill Forsyth.
Speaking on the red carpet, he said: ‘It’s beyond a fantastic honour because it’s from the people I’ve worked among for decades.’ When asked for his highlights in Scottish TV and film this year, Paterson joked that he is eyeing up a role in a BBC Scotland sitcom.
‘I love Scot Squad, I think it’s just fantastic and if there’s a part in Scot Squad then I’m ready,’ he said.
Still Game stars Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill paid tribute to Paterson as they arrived at the ceremony, as did actor David Hayman.
Former Taggart and Pirates of the Caribbean actor Alex Norton joked: ‘I’m obviously consumed by jealousy but I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more.’
Kiernan and Hemphill also gave the biggest hint yet that the popular comedy could make a return to our screens following extensive talks with the BBC. Kiernan said: ‘It will probably be back sooner than you’d imagine.
‘We owe the people another series,’ added Hemphill, who was nominated for best short film for Gasping.
Radio and television presenter Edith Bowman, who fronted the ceremony, said: ‘This is my fourth time hosting and I love celebrating what Scotland has to offer.’