Lipman added: Yes, you heard me:actress, you numbskulls at Bafta.

Not a performer, as you now label us.

Thanks, but Im not a gymnast or a juggler Im an actress, and proud of it.

Maureen Lipman

Maureen LipmanGetty

Perhaps the organisation itself should be renamed Dafta?

BAFTA is not alone in offering gender-neutral prizes.

The Berlin Film Festival and the Brit Awards have introduced gender-neutral categories.

Kirsty Wark pictured at a BAFTA event in London on April 24th, where it was announced she will receive a Fellowship

BAFTA declined to comment.