Alan Cumming, Emmy-winning actor and host of The Traitors in the States, will host this year’s BAFTA TV Awards for the first time.

The announcements comes three days prior to the nominations, with the likes of Baby Reindeer, Mr Bates vs the Post Office and The Traitors UK all expected to fare well.

Cumming is a versatile performer who has won two Emmys including most recently for hosting Peacock’s The Traitors, which has been a smash hit in the States and placed the Scot firmly back in the cultural zeitgeist.

His acting credits include the multi-award nominated The Good Wife, Golden Eye and Spy Kids, while he won a Tony for his performance in Cabaret.

Emma Baehr, Executive Director of Awards & Content at BAFTA, said: “He will definitely bring a playful sense of mischief and fun to the ceremony, so audiences should expect the unexpected at Britain’s biggest celebration of TV. The sheer quality, innovation, and breadth of talent in British television in front of and behind the camera is second to none, and we look forward to honouring and celebrating these talented people at our upcoming awards ceremonies.”

The BAFTA TV Awards take place on Sunday May 11. Cumming is the second Scot to host the BAFTAs this year, after Doctor Who star David Tennant steered the film gongs.