Dr Who in gold rush for National TV gongs
Tuesday, 11 Oct 2005 11:36
Who's going to win?
The critically heralded and publicly adored revamp of Dr Who looks set to dominate this year's National Television Awards.
The long-running sci-fi series, which hit script-writer Andrew T Davies was drafted in to give a new lease of life, has been nominated in three major categories at this year's awards.
It is up for most popular drama, while its two leads Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper are up for best actor and best actress.
Should Eccleston emerge the victor on October 25th, it will put yet more pressure on the new Doctor, David Tennant, who takes over as the Time Lord for the second season.
Eccleston decided to quit the smash hit show after just one series because he was reportedly concerned by becoming typecast.
Elsewhere, Paul O'Grady is up for best entertainment presenter as well as most popular daytime programme for the Paul O'Grady Show.
A new category has also been introduced this year, to recognise the most popular expert on TV, and nominees include the likes of profani-chef Gordon Ramsay and X Factor judges Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne.
Jamie Oliver may well also be in with a fat-tongued shout thanks to the startling success of his Jamie's School Dinners.
And EastEnders' return to form continues, as it swiped the lion's share of the nominations taking six, including most popular serial drama, and most popular newcomer for Lacey Turner.
The soap's Shane Richie and Nigel Harman are both competing with Christopher Eccleston for most popular actor.
The winners of the awards, which are voted for by the public, will be announced at a glitzy ceremony on October 25th.
