SHORTLIST FOR 18th NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS REVEALED

National Television Awards (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SHORTLIST FOR 18^th NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS REVEALED
– VOTING FOR WINNERS OPENS –

*NTAs celebrates 18^th year as the market leading British awards event*
*NTA DEBUT FOR THE VOICE UK AND THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF*

*LANDMARK AWARD TO HONOUR LONDON 2012*

As we emerge from the festive season, rest assured the merriment isn’t over just yet – it’s time to celebrate the stars of television, as today (8^th January 2013) the shortlist nominees are revealed and the final stage of voting opens for the 18^th National Television Awards. The cream of UK TV talent will battle it out at the star studded ceremony on 23^rd January at London’s O2 Arena.

This year, The Great British Bake Off and The Voice UK both make their NTA shortlist debuts. However it seems as though it’s not only cakes that have cooked up a storm, as cars and careers both feature in the Factual Entertainment category with Top Gear and The Apprentice also nominated. The ongoing rivalry between Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor in the Talent category could be put to bed this year, as new show on the block The Voice UK or Dancing on Ice could take home the crown.

Could this finally be the year our very own host Dermot O’Leary wins the title In the Entertainment Presenter category and puts an end to Ant and Dec’s eleven year reign as winners? Also in the running is Celebrity Juice funnyman Keith Lemon and the Chattyman himself Alan Carr.

Public voting will continue throughout the live show for one special category – Serial Drama. In years gone by, this hotly contended title has been fairly evenly won by EastEnders and Coronation Street. However everyone’s wondering whether Emmerdale celebrating its fortieth year on our screens, or Hollyoaks’ explosive storylines will lead either to a win?

In the Drama category, Downton Abbey’s enthralling storylines may win the period drama its second National Television Award. It’s certainly become a household name, but there’s potential for the other nominees Sherlock, Merlin or Doctor Who to scoop the prize. Doctor Who also receives two further nods for Karen Gillan and Matt Smith in the Drama Performance Female and Male categories respectively. The talents of Daniel Mays and Sheridan Smith of ITV drama Mrs Biggs have also been recognised, with both receiving nominations in those categories.

The iconic show Absolutely Fabulous has lived up to its title receiving a ringing endorsement from viewers as it makes it through in the Situation Comedy category. With their signature champagne, cigarettes and sarcasm, Patsy and Edina are back with a bang but multiple NTA winner, Benidorm, will be chasing its place in the sun! Mrs Browns Boys and The Big Bang Theory also compete in this category.

In recognition of London 2012, the Awards will also be celebrating legacy and heritage. The NTA’s are paying homage to the UK’s greatest Olympic team in over 100 years, and a sizzling summer of sport that saw record TV audiences captivated by Olympic and Paralympic events, the National Television Awards will present a Landmark Award to honour key members of London 2012. To accompany this exclusive presentation, organisers called on the public late last year to submit the London 2012 moment that shone most brightly for them. A selection of these moments have been hand-picked, and will form a video montage to be played on the night of the ceremony.

A new category this year reflecting the public appetite for thought-provoking programming has also been introduced – the new Documentary Series category features natural history shows Frozen Planet and Planet Earth.

So the battle is well and truly underway! But who will come up trumps at the glittering ceremony on Wednesday 23^rd January 2013? There’s only one way to find out – tune in on ITV1 from 7.30pm, to get stuck into what promises to be a night full of entertainment, rivalry and some great surprises.

The National Television Awards is the only awards show voted for entirely by the discerning viewer, and is delighted to have been the UK’s market leading awards event for nearly two decades.

VOTE…

 

Shortlist voting opens 8th January 2013 and closes at midday on the 23rd January 2013. You can vote for your TV favourites for free online. Simply visit www.nationaltvawards.com. Or you can vote by phone on 0901 888 2013. Before you call, make sure you study the categories and have your choices ready. Calls cost no more than 26p per minute plus no more than 14p connection charge from BT landlines, other networks may be higher and mobiles will be considerably more. Calls should last no longer than 7 minutes. Voting closes at midday on 23rd January 2013. Votes received outside of these times will not counted but may still be charged. A touchtone phone is required for phone voting. Please ensure you have the bill payers permission before calling. Restrictions on multiple voting apply. For full terms and conditions see www.nationaltvawards.com

 

BOOK TICKETS…

 

To secure seats at the biggest and best Awards show of the year, viewers can book tickets now. Call Ticketmaster now on 0844 847 2536 OR go to www.the02.co.uk/NTA2013.