‘Fleabag’ star Sian Clifford rules out a third series of the TV hit
But, wait, what happened with Claire’s iconic “pencil” haircut? Did she grow it out? We demand answers!
Fleabag favourite Sian Clifford has politely dashed any glimmers of hope we may have had that there will be a third series of the sublime comedy-drama.
On Friday, (31 July), the actress triumphed over co-star and creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge in the best female performance in a comedy category at the Virgin Media Bafta Television Awards.
Tearful and visibly shocked, Clifford said the win was a “beautiful way to say goodbye” and that she can’t imagine reprising her role as Fleabag’s ever-so-slightly uptight sister, Claire.
“No, I think the story is complete and the more time has gone on, we’re just more and more resolute, honestly.
“It’s been a really long and beautiful and messy and challenging journey, but this is such a perfect end to it.
“This is the last awards ceremony and we’re so lucky to have been entertained at basically all of them,” she explains.
Bafta/Jonny Birch
The 38-year-old actress added that she will always feel indebted to her long-time chum, Waller-Bridge.
“I worked out this morning that in a month and 18 days, we’ve known each other for 17 years.
“That makes me feel very old, but it is also a testament to our friendship. We’ve just championed each other since that day.
“I just feel so lucky to have found her and to have met someone that believes in me more than I believe in myself,” she gushes.
As for her iconic “pencil” haircut episode, Clifford revealed that she has seen a number of similar cuts during quarantine.
“Since lockdown, who isn’t sporting a Claire cut?” she laughs. “Amazingly, there are a bunch of people that try to find people with haircuts like that on Twitter, who ritualistically send me those images, and it brings me enormous joy.”
Bafta/Jonny Birch
Other notable winners at the TV Baftas were Naomi Ackie, named best supporting actress in a drama for Channel 4’s The End of the F***ing World – which also won best drama.
Meanwhile, Will Sharpe collected best supporting actor in a drama for his turn as Rodney, a gay rent boy, in BBC Two’s Girl/Haji.
Bafta/Jonny Birch
Pose’s Billy Porter popped up on screen, too, to present best entertainment programme to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Virgin’s Must-See Moment Award – the only gong voted for by the British public – went to the Nessa proposing to Smithy scene, from the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special.
Hosted by Richard Ayoade, the social-distanced ceremony saw winners accept their awards via Zoom or pre-recorded iPhone videos.
