Sitcom honours for McCall

Davina McCall has been nominated for two comedy awards in the National Television Awards.

The 33-year-old Big Brother host has been shortlisted for best comedy performer for her ITV sitcom Sam's Game. The show itself, in which she starred opposite Ed Byrne, is also nominated for best comedy.

McCall has also been nominated for three further awards, for best entertainment presenter and Don't Try This At Home in the entertainment category and for Big Brother in the factual section.

She's up against stiff opposition from more experienced actors for the comedy performer prize.

Caroline Aherne, Richard Wilson, Cold Feet's James Nesbitt, Paul Whitehouse, Ricky Tomlinson and Alistair McGowan will all be vying for the title.

And other shows shortlisted for best comedy include Friends - the only US show in the nominations - and The Royle Family.

The Savages, starring Marcus Brigstocke and written by Men Behaving Badly creator Simon Nye, is also in the running, despite attracting disappointing ratings for BBC1.

Alistair McGowan's Big Impression, Cold Feet and One Foot In The Grave complete the line-up.

Comic Graham Norton is also up for a prize.

He's on the shortlist for best entertainment presenter alongside McCall , Les Dennis, Chris Tarrant, Carol Vorderman and troubled star Michael Barrymore.

The prizes are handed out in a televised ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in October.

Published: 2 Jul 2001