Irish actor Brian F. O'Byrne makes a stand for the Yes campaign during BAFTA acceptance speech

“Thank you Britain for looking after our women in their time of need.” Brian F. O'Byrne brought the house down at the BAFTAs.

An emotional Brian F. O'Byrne took home the Best Supporting Actor for his role in the ITV drama Little Boy Blue at Sunday night's BAFTA TV awards, and used his speech to thank Britain for welcoming Irish women forced to leave their country under the terms of the 8th Amendment.

Wearing a Together For Yes badge, O'Byrne said: "On a personal thing, I'd like to thank the staff of the Liverpool women's hospital for looking after my fellow Irish citizens who come there in distress, daily..."

At that point, a swell of applause broke from the audience.

"Thank you Britain, for looking after our women in their time of need," he concluded.

Watch the former Love/Hate actor's speech in full here.

Here's Supporting Actor winner @brianfobyrne in heartfelt recognition of the family and community of Rhys Jones, whose death is remembered in @ITV 's Little Boy Blue ❤️️🌹 #BAFTATV pic.twitter.com/PYgq9C634p — BAFTA (@BAFTA) May 13, 2018

Meanwhile, Peaky Blinders - starring our own Cillian Murphy, himself an advocate for repealing the 8th Amendment on 25 May - was the big winner on the night as it took the award for Best Drama Series ahead of The Crown, Line of Duty and The End of the F***ing World.

Sean Bean and Molly Windsor were named Best Actor and Actress respectively for Broken and Three Girls, while Vanessa Kirby was named Best Supporting Actress for her brilliant turn as Princess Margaret in The Crown.

The Handmaid's Tale took home the International prize, ahead of Big Little Lies, Feud: Bette and Joan and The Vietnam War.