The National Television Awards 2012 ITV1, Wednesday, 25th Jan 7:30pm - 10pm
Repeat ITV2, Sun 29 Jan 2pm
Repeat ITV2 +1, Sun 29 Jan 3pm In 2011, we had rioting on the streets and trouble in the banks, so it’s no surprise that TV audiences craved reassurance. This need for comfort in a time of instability is reflected in the NTA shortlist, which sees the heritage charms of Downton Abbey and the panto glitz of Strictly finding favour.
The second series of Downton may have had its weaknesses (and this could be the only show where viewers will forgive the sight of a character leaping from a wheelchair with no muscle wastage), but what a reward its Christmas special was. Fisticuffs by the fire and a surprise proposal – unbeatable, surely?
There are a few odd nominations: John Barrowman and Eve Myles for a miserable outing of Torchwood, while Corrie’s Chris Fountain gets a Newcomer nod despite being a hunk in search of a plotline. But don’t dwell on the anomalies, not when we can reflect on the spike in the national happiness index caused by Russell Grant being fired from a cannon, a prize-winning moment
if ever there was one.
Dermot O'Leary hosts the star-studded ceremony celebrating the best of British TV over the past year, as the biggest names on the small screen gather at the O2 for the results of a nationwide poll across 14 categories. Ratings rivals Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor are named in the line-up for the nation's favourite talent shows alongside Britain's Got Talent and Dancing on Ice, while Downton Abbey is nominated for the first time as best drama, up against Merlin and former NTA winners Doctor Who and Waterloo Road. A new award recognising reality programmes sees The Only Way Is Essex, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, Come Dine with Me and The Apprentice battle it out, and the Loose Women take on Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton and Alan Carr in the talk show category. Dermot himself could also take home the trophy for best entertainment presenter, facing competition from Ant and Dec, Keith Lemon and Michael McIntyre.
Host Dermot O'Leary
Radiotimes
