BAFTAs viewers left distracted by 'shouting' as host Alan Cumming issues statement

The BAFTA Film Awards viewers were left asking the same question just minutes into the BBC broadcast. Hosted by Scottish presenter Alan Cumming, the prestigious awards returned on Sunday night (February 22) to celebrate the year's very best films.

The major nominees included Ryan Coogler's vampire flick Sinners, Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, and Chloé Zhao's Shakespearean tragedy Hamnet.

But as the show was just getting underway, viewers noticed occasional "shouts" from the audience. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one posted: "#Baftas Okay I can't be the only one hearing some random guy screaming occasionally."

Another asked: "Who's yelling in the background??! #BAFTAS." While a third questioned: "Is there someone with Tourette's in the audience? #Baftas #baftas2026."

As the final viewer accurately noted, I Swear's John Davidson was in the audience and could be heard involuntarily interrupting the ceremony due to his Tourette's Syndrome The neurological condition causes involuntary noises and movements called tics.

Host Alan had previously explained the "shouting" in advance, asking those in the audience to be "understanding" of John Davidson, who experienced tics during the ceremony.

The host told the audience, "You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette's syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience.

"Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone."

Davidson is the inspiration behind the nominated drama I Swear, which tells the story of a young man diagnosed with Tourette's during a time when little was known about the condition.

Its synopsis teases: "John Davidson: diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome at a young age, which alienated him from his peers, he struggled with a condition few people had witnessed."

The film was nominated for six BAFTAs, including in the coveted Outstanding British Film category.

Other viewers have quickly joined in the social media conversation, with one delighted fan penning: "The guy with Tourettes shouting out loud during award presentations is a total star #BAFTAs."

While a second added: "Anyone watching The BAFTAS? I think I can hear brilliant John Davidson in the audience. This could be brilliant."

The BAFTA Film Awards 2026 are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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