BAFTA viewers left in tears after Warwick Davis honours late wife in emotional speech

BAFTA viewers have been left in tears after Warwick Davis paid an emotional tribute to his late wife Samantha, who died last year.

The actor admitted that 'life has been pretty tough' since the death of his wife, before saying: "Thank you to the support of our wonderful children, I’ve been able to keep engaging in life."

Davis cried on stage, with his children shown to be visibly emotional in the crowd.

He also said of his late wife: "She was always so supportive of my career, encouraging me to grab every opportunity with both hands."

See the full speech below:

Davis was appearing at the show to receive a 'BAFTA Fellowship', which the awards show described as their 'highest accolade'.

They said: "As our highest accolade, the BAFTA Fellowship recognises those who have made an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television."

The emotional speech brought many viewers to tears, with one saying: "Oh no, Warwick Davis got me crying."

Another said: "Warwick Davis and his kids have me BAWLING."

A third added: "I'm not normally an emotional one but Warwick Davis just awww 🥺🥺🥹🥹🥺🥺💔 Well deserved."

The legendary actor received his fellowship not just for his storied career, starring in Harry Potter, Star Wars, Willow, and many more, but for his work supporting other actors with dwarfism.

The actor released a statement last year announcing his wife Samantha had died aged 53.

He said: "My wife and soul-mate, best friend. Devoted mother, My favourite human. My most trusted confidant and an ardent supporter of everything I did in my career, has passed.

"The most open, warm person I have ever known. Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family. I miss her hugs.

"She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life. She had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes.

"With her by my side, I was sure I could achieve anything.

"It was like having a superpower. Without Sammy, there would have been no Tenable Quiz show, no Willow series.

"No Idiot Abroad Series 3. It was her suggestion that Ricky Gervais send me off with Karl — I think she wanted me out of the house for a few weeks!"

Samantha contracted sepsis in 2019 after a complication during surgery on her spine gave her the life-threatening condition.

She died in 2024. Davis has taken legal action against University College London Hospital where Samantha was operated on.