Watch Tony Awards hosts’ Bradley Cooper gay joke

Before introducing Bradley Cooper as the first presenter at the Tony Awards in New York today, hosts Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth made a joke referencing the rumours around the actor’s sexuality.

“I’m so excited to introduce our first presenter because he’s someone I’ve slept with,” Chenoweth said.

“Me too!” Cumming replied, to much laughter from the audience.

Chenoweth then shot Cumming a stern look, saying, “No, I just wanted to get the rumour out!”

Very cheeky, Alan! Considering his next hosting gig is for Attitude – he’ll host our inaugural Pride Awards in London later this month – we can’t wait to find out what he’s got ins tore for us.

Cooper was at the Tonys to present the ‘Best Leading Actress in a Play’ gong, which went to Dame Helen Mirren for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience.

It was a successful night all round for the British – as well as Mirren winning her first Tony, her co-star Richard McCabe was named best featured actor, and awards were given to British productions Skylight, which was named best revival, and Wolf Hall Parts One & Two, recognised for best costume design.

Fun Home – based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir about growing up gay in a funeral parlour – and The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night Time, named best musical and best play respectively, picked up five awards each.

Other big winners included the musicals An American in Paris and The King and I, both taking four awards each in a three-hour ceremony presented by previous Tony winners Chenoweth and Cumming, who opened the show with a song medley.

Cooper left empty-handed, after failing to win the leading actor award for his critically acclaimed role in The Elephant Man.

Words by JOE WILLIAMS