House Nights: Mo Gilligan takes over 180 Lofts for the BAFTA TV Awards afterparty

‘Nothing but vibes,’ man of the moment, Mo Gilligan, enthusiastically repeated to last night’s crowd over the DJ’s mic. Having just won his third award for best comedy entertainment programme for The Lateish Show, the comedian partied it up with the help of Duppy Share Caribbean Rum and fellow winner Big Zuu, who collected two BAFTAs for best feature and entertainment performance for Big Zuu’s Big Eats. Also spotted in attendance were the likes of fellow comics Judi Love and Amelia Dimz, BBC radio presenter Clara Amfo, and model Leomie Anderson.

Earlier in the week, Soho House caught up with the comedian to talk about his earlier BAFTA TV awards wins, his celebratory drink of choice, and why Bruce Forsyth is one of his TV heroes. 

Scroll down to see what went down and to read our interview.

You won a BAFTA TV award for ‘Entertainment Performance’ in 2020. Are you looking forward to spending this year’s awards with your peers in person?
‘I first went to the BAFTAs in 2019 when The Big Narstie Show was nominated. It was great to go, but I didn’t know many of the people in attendance at the time. This year, there are lots of people – across the different categories – that I know well or have met along the way who I look up to. So, yes, this time around feels good.’ 

How did winning in 2020 change your career trajectory?
‘It was massive. It justified the renewal of my series The Lateish Show and has opened so many doors to incredible opportunities since – some of which I wasn’t even aware were possible.’ 

How did you celebrate then?
‘I went to a friend’s birthday the next day and then saw my family, so I was able to have a weekend of being around those closest to me. Because of the rule of six, the gatherings were small, which made things feel nice and intimate.’ 

What will be your drink of choice for this year’s ceremony (and afterparty)?
‘Duppy Share’s rum mixed with apple juice.’

What’s a guaranteed dance-floor filler for you?
‘Giggs’ “Talkin The Hardest” or Cameo’s “Candy”.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
‘This R&B trio called Moonchild. I’ll put them on when I’m in the kitchen while I’m cooking or washing up. I’ve also recently been listening to Baby Keem, Knucks, and Blanco.’ 

You’ve said before that all this success has felt like you’re living your own biopic. Who would you want to play you in a biopic of your life?
‘Michael B Jordan if it was set in the US; Michael Ward for the UK.’

You’re currently filming in LA – is there anything you’re allowed to tell us?
‘Unfortunately, there isn’t really much I can say, but it’s exciting and fun. What I’m doing is a new chapter in my career and is something I’ve always dreamed of.’

How have your jokes been landing stateside?
‘I was out in the US in February, which gave me the opportunity to see what terminology the audiences would or wouldn’t understand. I’ve changed some of the wording since, but that’s all I’ve had to do. I still want my shows to feel authentic to who I am, that is, Black and British. 

‘Overall, the material’s landed really well, but I wouldn’t say better than the UK, as that’s where home is.’

You’ve always tried to bring warmth to TV – how do you do this?
‘When I go about making something, I ask myself, what would I want to watch? For me, I want to be able to forget about all the madness going on in the world or in my life and just escape through the enjoyment of it. That’s what my team and I try to bring to the audiences watching.  

‘We recently had David Schwimmer on The Lateish Show and we talked about his new film, but I also asked him: do you watch Love Island? Have you seen Homes Under the Hammer? Those questions are the ones that make those conversations feel a bit closer to home for the people watching. I want those people to feel like they’re sitting in on a conversation that would not normally happen on a show like this.’ 

Who are your TV heroes?
‘It’s got to be Sir Trevor McDonald. Being a kid in the 1990s and seeing a Black person occupy that space made me want to watch the news. Another is Bruce Forsyth. From when he began his career until he passed, he was always on top. Bruce was the ultimate entertainer. 

‘The three Black women who fronted the comedy sketch show called 3 Non-Blondes are also some of my TV heroes. Richard Blackwood too. He’s like the UK’s answer to Will Smith.’

Which actor or actress gave the performance of the year for you?
‘Jasmine Jobson. She plays Jaq in Top Boy. I thought she was incredible in the role. She seems to already have a lot of depth to her craft. I’m looking forward to seeing her in different roles. I know she’s going to have a big future.