Rebel Wilson has been defended by fans after her hosting of Sunday night's BAFTA film awards quickly sparked complaints from scores of BBC viewers.
After last year's ceremony was largely virtual, due to the country still being in lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, there was a welcome return to the annual event in its usual format as A-listers packed out the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Jonathan Ross, Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley, Pitch Perfect and Cats star Rebel was given the job of presenting the star-studded event as it broadcast to millions of film fans on BBC1.
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Proceedings kicked off with a performance from music icon Shirley Bassey, who wowed with Bond anthem Diamonds Are Forever, before Rebel graced the stage, looking absolutely stunning in a red gown.
However, it took just a few moments of Rebel's introduction for many viewers to decide that it wasn't working for them, with the majority of them blaming whoever was responsible for Rebel's script, which contained a few too many jokes that didn't really land.
One of Rebel's first gags was to say: "Welcome to the 75th...and final EE British Academy Film Awards," before addressing her weight loss, quipping: "I've done quite a transformation...I hope JK Rowling still approves."
She then went on to point out that Lady Gaga was in the audience, having been nominated for her role in House of Gucci.
Seizing the opportunity to crack a joke at her expense, Australian actress Rebel said: "Apparently they all have Italian accents in that film...I didn't notice."
Rebel also joked, that after much speculation on who would get the job, she could exclusively reveal that she was the new 007, before joking: "Bond goes to Australia and it can be called Die Another G'Day," and saying "because of the gender pay gap," she'd be 004.5 rather than 007.
Viewers were quick to react to Rebel as host and, while many were fans of the actress herself, couldn't get on board with her as BAFTA host.
One tweeted: "Rebel Wilson (who is usually good entertainment) is just dying on her arse at the moment," with another reacting: "I really like Rebel Wilson but whoever wrote this tired rubbish for her to deliver is doing her no favours. It’s embarrassing
A third posted: "Just turned on the academy film awards on bbc and Rebel Wilson needs to fire whoever writes her material. It’s just excruciating watching this."
Rebel did find some support from fans who tuned in, with one tweeting: "To all the people having a go at Rebel Wilson, just shut up you dull, talentless, misogynistic wastes of space.
"If you had any talent yourself you would be there, rather than tapping out your bile from you sad little homes. If you can do it better... go on."
Another tweeted:" love Rebel Wilson, that wonderful dry Australian humour."
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