Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Sheridan Smith and Ken Stott: all the TV heavyweights are up for gongs at the upcoming TV BAFTA Awards. Drawing on no relevant expertise whatsoever — other than the fact that we like to watch good television — we’ve picked our favourites from each category.
Leading Actor
We’re going to go against the Cumbergrain on this one and pin our hopes on Jason Watkins. Yes, Benedict Cumberbatch was fabulous in Sherlock but Watkins was phenomenal in The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies.
Also in the running: James Nesbitt (The Missing), Toby Jones (Marvellous)
Leading Actress
This is a tough one. We’d love to see Sarah Lancashire win for Happy Valley but we reckon Sheridan Smith might win for her performance in Cilla — and we couldn’t complain about that.
Also in the running: Keeley Hawes (Line of Duty), Georgina Campbell (Murdered by My Boyfriend)
Supporting Actor
After much debate we’re rooting for Ken Stott as the menacing villain in The Missing. But James Norton is equally deserving for his Happy Valley performance.
Also in the running: Adeel Akhtar (Utopia), Stephen Rea (The Honourable Woman)
Supporting Actress
It would be great to see Gemma Jones scoop this award for Marvellous but she’s got stiff competition in the form of Amanda Redman for Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This.
Also in the running: Charlotte Spencer (Glue), Vicky McClure (Line of Duty)
Entertainment Performance
We love Ant and Dec but, let’s face it, they win everything. We really, really want Claudia Winkleman to be recognised by BAFTA for what she’s brought to Strictly Come Dancing.
Also in the running: Leigh Francis (Celebrity Juice), Graham Norton (The Graham Norton Show)
More:Britain’s Got Talent and X Factor were snubbed by BAFTA this year
Female Performance in a Comedy Programme
Olivia Colman is flawless in Rev. — we don’t think any of the other contenders can possibly beat her.
Also in the running: Catherine Tate (Catherine Tate’s Nan), Tamsin Greig (Episodes), Jessica Hynes (W1A)
Male Performance in a Comedy Programme
It’s a close one between Matt Berry as the legendary Matt in Toast of London and Brendan O’Carroll in Mrs Brown’s Boys — Christmas Special; we suspect the public love for Mrs Brown will give O’Carroll the edge.
Also in the running: Hugh Bonneville (W1A), Tom Hollander (Rev.)
Entertainment Programme
Strictly Come Dancing all the way: the last series was one of the best and did we mention how awesome Claudia Winkleman was?
Also in the running: Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Dynamo: Magician Impossible, The Voice
Comedy and Comedy Entertainment Programme
The Graham Norton Show simply doesn’t get enough recognition for just how funny it is so we’re hoping it wins on Sunday.
Also in the running: Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe, Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, Would I Lie to You?
Drama Series
For dramatic value it has to be The Missing, one of those rare gems of a TV drama where viewers can hardly wait a week for the next instalment.
Also in the running: Happy Valley, Line of Duty, Peaky Blinders
Soap and Continuing Drama
After the brilliant live week earlier this year it’s got to be a win for EastEnders.
Also in the running: Casualty, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks
Reality and Constructed Factual
Another really tough category and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! will probably win but we’d love to see The Undateables do it — one of the sweetest, most touching reality shows we’ve seen.
Radio Times Audience Award
This one is voted for by members of the public and it’ll be a close run thing between all the nominees: Cilla, EastEnders, Game of Thrones, The Great British Bake Off, The Missing, Sherlock and Strictly Come Dancing. We’re hoping all the cake-loving Brits will make it a night to remember for Bake Off.
The House of Fraser British Academy Television Awards will be held on Sunday, May 10 at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and broadcast on BBC1.
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