The BAFTA Film Awards 2025 took viewers by surprise with an unexpected performance of the hit song Greatest Day on Sunday, but the reception was mixed.
The remixed version from the spotlight-stealing track featured in the film Anora, and saw Mark Owen, Howard Donald, and Gary Barlow grace the stage.
Robbie Williams and Jason Orange were notably absent.
While the live audience was excited to see the famous trio make a comeback, those tuning in at home had differing reactions.
One disgruntled One X (formerly Twitter) user vented: “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 person expressed their dismay with a flood of tearful emojis, commenting: “The likes of Kylie Jenner and Ariana Grande watching Take That perform is sending me.”
A third viewer expressed their discontent plainly: “Oh Take That remote over there and turn this off #BAFTAs,” while another lamented the moment saying, “Well it was going fairly painlessly till Take That cheesed up the place…”
Yet another critic observed with disappointment: “Oh my what happened take that used to be able to sing this song #BAFTAs.”
However, there was also love shown for the band, with a devoted Take That fan declaring: “Wow what a performance from TAKE THAT. Was just staring at my tv screen the whole time.”
In spite of the mixed responses, the star-studded crowd at London’s Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall seemed thoroughly entertained by Take That’s stint on stage.
The BAFTA organisers had announced the performance well in advance.
Just days before the ceremony, an official announcement was made, saying: “Known for their electrifying live shows and timeless appeal, Take That will bring their signature energy and charisma to the ceremony, creating a highlight of the evening.
Their appearance promises to be an unforgettable moment, whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.”
Gary Barlow and his bandmates had recently featured prominently in the 2024 film Better Man, which sparked controversy with its unusual depiction of Robbie Williams’ life using a CGI chimpanzee.
The film had received a nomination for Best Visual Effects but ultimately lost to the visually stunning, Timothée Chalamet-starring blockbuster, Dune: Part Two.
The BAFTA Film Awards 2025 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.