The BAFTA Awards ceremony, a night meant to celebrate the pinnacle of British television talent, was not without its controversies this year. Among the highlights was Danny Dyer's win for Best Male Performance in a Comedy for his role in 'Mr Bigstuff'. However, his acceptance speech, laden with expletives despite prior warnings, forced host Alan Cumming to issue an on-air apology. The BBC was quick to edit out the offensive language for its broadcast, but the incident left a mark on the evening's proceedings.

Adding to the evening's drama, reports emerged of celebrities attempting to sneak out of the lengthy ceremony due to a lack of food. Love Island All Stars contestants Gabby Allen and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu were among those who reportedly tried to leave to find snacks, only to be told they wouldn't be allowed back in. This oversight in hospitality added an unexpected layer of discontent to the glamorous event.

Despite these hiccups, the ceremony was not without its moments of genuine emotion and humor. Sophie Willan, winner of Best Scripted Comedy for 'Alma's Not Normal', also broke the no-swearing rule, but her slip was met with laughter from the audience, showcasing the light-hearted spirit that often defines British comedy.

The BAFTA Awards night, while a celebration of talent, was a reminder of the unpredictability of live events. From Danny Dyer's unfiltered joy to the logistical missteps, the evening was a blend of highs and lows that kept everyone talking. As the dust settles, the focus will undoubtedly return to the achievements of the winners, but the stories from the night will linger in the memories of those who attended and watched.

The Central Bank of Ireland has concluded a long-running inquiry into the Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS), resulting in significant penalties for former executives. John Stanley Purcell, a former board member, has been fined €130,000 and banned from the financial sector for four years due to his role in the society's governance and risk management failures. The inquiry highlighted a period between 2004 and 2008 where INBS's commercial lending practices were found to be lacking in oversight and adherence to financial regulations.

During the years under scrutiny, INBS's commercial loan book expanded dramatically from €3.59bn to €8.18bn, with commercial loans making up 78% of its total loan book by the end of 2008. The Central Bank's report detailed a culture of high-risk lending, where large sums were disbursed without proper documentation, adequate security, or necessary approvals. This reckless approach to lending was a significant factor in the society's eventual collapse during the financial crisis.

The inquiry also shed light on the broader systemic failures within INBS, including a lack of adherence to its own credit risk management policies and the absence of annual credit risk stress tests for commercial lending. Louise Gallagher, the Central Bank's head of enforcement investigations, emphasized the discovery of a pervasive culture that prioritized high-risk lending over sound financial practices. The findings underscore the importance of robust governance and risk management frameworks in financial institutions.

In addition to the penalties imposed on Purcell, the Central Bank's inquiry has led to settlements with other former INBS executives, including disqualifications and fines. The total cost of the investigation and inquiry into INBS's regulatory breaches amounted to over €24m, spanning 15 years from 2010 to 2025. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold financial regulations and the critical need for accountability in the banking sector.