BBC wins big at Royal Television Society awards

The Beeb was the runaway winner at this year’s Royal Television Society programme awards, in total; they walked away with 15 ‘gongs’.

The public broadcasting network, dominated the awards proceedings, taking away most of the 27 prestigious awards including two for History of Modern Britain. It was actually BBC2 that won the most acclaim. Including best entertainment programme for the panel show QI presented by Stephen Fry.

Fry beat out competition from fellow BBC show Strictly Come Dancing and The Armstrong and Miller Show. The best features and lifestyle series went to the ‘petrolheads’ at Top Gear, Stuart: A Life Backwards, scooped the best single drama award.

Channel 4 did reasonably well, picking up the best formatted documentary for its innovative Meet the Natives. They also won in another documentary section, with You’re Not Splitting Up My Family taking the best observational documentary honours. And Come Dine With Me winning best daytime show.

Controversial drama Secret Life won Matthew Macfadyen, the best actor award. Best comedy performance was awarded jointly to David Mitchell and Robert Webb for their ‘Peep Show’ best comedy writer went to Graham Linehan for The IT Crowd.

The best sitcom gong went to BBC3’s The Mighty Boosh, over at BBC4 they won three awards including best international show for Flight of the Conchords.

ITV were not left totally on the sidelines winning four awards, including one for The Bill as best soap and continuing drama. Harry Hill took home best entertainment performance for his show TV Burp which beat out fellow ITV performers Ant and Dec and their Saturday Night Takeaway.

ITV1 also claimed best actress for the adaptation of Persuasion, won by Sally Hawkins.

The BBC also took away four other awards, including Best writer for a drama, Heidi Thomas for her work on Cranford. The Street won out for best drama series for the second year running.

The big winner of the night was a highly respected BBC presenter Sir David Attenborough, who claimed the organisations life-time achievement award.

Story link: BBC wins big at Royal Television Society awards