'All the amazing people in Galashiels' praised as movie about local caretaker's struggles with Tourette's wins hat-trick of BAFTAs
Last updated 23rd Feb 2026
A movie highlighting a Galashiels caretaker's struggles with Tourette's has won a hat-trick of awards at tonight's British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).
Robert Aramayo saw off competition from the likes of Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Ethan Hawke to pick up the Leading Actor prize for his performance as John Davidson in hit film I Swear.
The 33-year-old, who secretly moved into a property in Scott Street while he researched the role ahead of filming, also won the EE Rising Star Award - the only BAFTA voted for by the public.
In his winning speech, Aramayo - who hails from Hull - thanked "all the amazing people in Galashiels" he met during his time in the Scottish Borders.
"I cant believe this," he exclaimed at the Royal Festival Hall in London. "This means the world to me!
"John Davidson is the most remarkable man I've ever met; he's so forthcoming with education that he believes there's still so much more we need to learn about Tourette's.
"And tonight, especially, I just want to say that for people living with Tourette's, it's us around them that helps define what their experience is. So, to quote the film, they need support and understanding."
John, who was awarded an MBE for his efforts to increase understanding of Tourette's, was present during the first half of the BAFTA ceremony, where the audience included William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
But, according to Variety magazine, after a number of involuntary outbursts he left midway through, including one as Paddington became the first bear to present an award.
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming apologised to anyone who was offended and thanked the audience for their understanding.
I Swear also won the Casting BAFTA, with casting director Lauren Evans collecting the award.
Aramayo, also known for his roles as young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones and Elrond in The Rings of Power, added: "I want to thank (Director) Kirk Jones for his vision, his collaboration, his brilliance; his passion to bring this to the big screen.
"And I want to thank... all the amazing people in Galashiels and the fantastic people I met when i was researching this film."
I Swear quickly became the most watched film at John's hometown cinema in Galashiels following Merlin Cinemas takeover last year, with the audience in Screen One giving it a standing ovation on its opening night.
And it is being reshown this week to celebrate its success.
Praising Aramayo for his performance ahead of the film's release, John told Greatest Hits Radio: "Rob is a method actor and wanted to be part of my day-to-day life to learn (more about the condition) and become me for the film.
"He rented accommodation in Scott Street and spent most days with me; he was looking at how I walked, how I talked, how I held myself; my mannerisms - everything about me.
"And he has smashed it, big time!
"People who have seen previews of the film have said to me: 'If you close your eyes and listen, you would think that's you ticking on the TV. The way you walk, the way you talk, the way you hold the (key) fob in your hand, and that kind of stuff' - he's got it absolutely spot on."
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