Kirstie Allsopp Rips Bafta for Their *Ridiculous* Tribute to Dame Penelope Keith (and It's About Time)
Photo by Kirstie.jpg: Don't let Devon go to waste derivative work: JMiall via Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN). Resized.
Can we take a moment to unpack this? Kirstie Allsopp has officially entered the chat, and she’s not pulling any punches. Our favorite unapologetic truth-teller has unleashed her fury on BAFTA for their pathetic tribute to the late, GREAT Dame Penelope Keith, who, let’s face it, is an absolute national treasure. Newsflash, folks: she just allegedly passed away at 86 after a relentless battle with cancer—something you’d think would warrant more respect from a prestigious organization.
In an emotional rant posted on X (yes, that cursed platform formerly known as Twitter), Kirstie didn’t hold back. She insisted, “It’s ‘death,’ Dame Penelope died, she was an absolute national treasure, she lived & worked and was brilliant and then she died.” Those are some fighting words! Honestly, can you blame her? Dame Penelope isn't merely 'passing' like some passing fancy; she’s not a forgotten trend or a bottle of ketchup left out on the counter!
While BAFTA attempted to soften the blow with their oh-so-gentle term 'passing,' Kirstie fired back, battling the critics who claimed 'passed' sounds less harsh. Sure, if you’re trying to dodge responsibility—what a load of nonsense! She pointed out that BAFTA is an organization, not a warm, mushy person, reminding everyone that the family’s statement made it crystal clear: “As Dame Penelope's family statement said she had died, they should have at least reflected their language.” Look at Kirstie channeling all that righteous indignation like it's her own one-woman show!
Dame Penelope’s family confirmed she died peacefully at her home in Surrey, where she spent over 50 years, expressing their gratitude for the support during her illness. But now the real drama unfolds: a PR blunder versus the family's heartfelt wishes. What’s BAFTA doing with this? It all feels a bit off, right?
Your move, BAFTA, because the spotlight is on you now.
—Rex