Take That’s surprise performance at Sunday’s Bafta Film Awards has sparked mixed reactions, with home viewers expressing embarrassment while the live audience showed enthusiasm.
The iconic boy band performed a remixed version of their 2008 hit Greatest Day, which features in the nominated film Anora.
The performance at London’s Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall drew particular attention due to the presence of high-profile celebrities including Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet in the front row.
Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Gary Barlow took to the stage for the performance, though former members Robbie Williams and Jason Orange were notably absent.
The performance marked a significant moment for the band, whose track has been reimagined for the film Anora.
The Bafta organisers had promoted the appearance in advance, promising “electrifying live shows” and “signature energy and charisma” from the trio.
Social media reactions to the performance were particularly critical, with viewers expressing dismay at the contrast between the A-list audience and the musical choice.
One X user wrote: “Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet sat front row at the #BAFTAs and the best we can produce is a 2008 song from Take That and it was a remix. I’m genuinely embarrassed.”
Another viewer commented: “The likes of Kylie Jenner and Ariana Grande watching Take That perform is sending me,” accompanied by tearful emojis.
While the star-studded audience at the Royal Festival Hall appeared thoroughly entertained, viewers at home continued to express their discontent.
“Oh Take That remote over there and turn this off #BAFTAs,” wrote one critic on X before another added: “Well it was going fairly painlessly till Take That cheesed up the place…”
Someone else said: “Anyone else left cringing at this performance by Take That… unsure they got the memo of the A-list celebrities sitting in the audience.”
However, some fans defended the performance, with one enthusiast declaring: “Wow what a performance from TAKE THAT. Was just staring at my tv screen the whole time.”
The performance came just days after Take That’s involvement in another film project, Better Man, which featured the band and sparked controversy for its CGI depiction of Robbie Williams as a chimpanzee.
Better Man had received a Bafta nomination for Best Visual Effects but lost to Timothée Chalamet’s Dune: Part Two.
The Bafta organisers had heavily promoted Take That’s appearance, promising “an unforgettable moment” for both longtime fans and newcomers to their music.
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Ahead of their performance, the singers sat down with GQ to discuss what they had prepared, with Own noting: “We wanted to feel the part. It’s a British tradition. We’ve tried to keep a bit of the energy of the movie in our performance and be respectful of that.
“We’ve used some of Sean’s colours. It’s very simple, to be honest, and it’s just a celebration. I think that’s the main thing.”
Barlow added: “Give everyone a rest for two minutes. Think about it, you’re not just sat in the audience, you’re on telly at any minute, so you’ve got to be there ready for the camera.”
