Sue Perkins revealed as British LGBT Awards host ahead of star-studded event
TV star Sue Perkins has been announced as host of the 2022 British LGBT Awards.
The comedian and presenter, 52, follows in the footsteps of Spice Girl Mel B, funnyman Alan Carr and media personality Kelly Osbourne.
Speaking about hosting the event, the former Bake Off host said: “I am very excited to be hosting the 2022 British LGBT Awards.
"This is one of the year’s most important celebrations of the LGBT+ community and I’m delighted to be involved. It is always such a great event, shining a light on role models and those who advance the rights of LGBT+ people in Britain and across the world.
"This event always attracts the biggest names, and this year will be no exception. I'm honoured to be a part of it. It is going to be a blast!"
The ceremony, held in association with headline sponsors Macquari Group and Tesco, will feature big name nominees including Steps, Lady Gaga, Rylan Clark and Olly Alexander.
A fiercely contested Celebrity Ally Award sees Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker, Formula One star Lewis Hamilton, Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe, Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp all nominated.
Billy Porter, Michaela Jae Rodriguez and Indya Moore and are all in the running for the Celebrity of the Year Award alongside Crown actress Emma Corrin, while multiple Grammy and BRIT Award-winning artist Dua Lipa, non-binary singer-songwriter Sam Smith, British rapper Lady Leshurr and Steps will battle it out for the MTV-sponsored Music Artist of the Year gong.
BBC’s poignant documentary Freddie Mercury: The Final Act has been shortlisted for the Media Moment prize.
The acclaimed programme, starring Brian May and Roger Taylor plus The Who’s Roger Daltry, powerfully told the extraordinary story of Freddie Mercury’s life and how - after his death from Aids - Queen staged one of the biggest concerts in history to celebrate his life and challenge the prejudices around HIV.
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Josh Cavallo, the first top-flight footballer to come out as gay, the first same-sex male partnership featuring Johannes Radebe and John Waite on Strictly Come Dancing and Victoria Scone making history on Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK in becoming the first assigned female at birth (AFAB) queen to star on the show are also nominated in the same category - won by It’s a Sin last year.
In the Sports Personality of the Year category, Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley is up against British sporting legend Colin Jackson. Highly-decorated South African runner Caster Semenya and the first ever openly transgender athlete while competing at the Olympic Games Laurel Hubbard are nominated in the same category alongside Lioness stars Beth Mead and Demi Stokes.
Sarah Garrett, MBE, British LGBT Awards founder, said: “We're absolutely delighted to confirm Sue Perkins will host the British LGBT Awards 2022.
"As ever, these awards will shine a light on those who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the LGBT+ community, during what has been another very challenging 12 months and Sue will no doubt bring an incredible level of poise, entertainment, and humour to one of the most important dates in the LGBT calendar.
“The nominees, which include an exciting mix of famous LGBT+ faces, allies and organisations have all demonstrated a commitment to advancing LGBT+ rights. The awards on 24 June will be a huge celebration of our culture.”