Montreux contenders announced

Frank Skinner, Ardal O'Hanlon and Graham Norton are among the UK entries for the prestigious Golden Rose of Montreux award in Switzerland next month.

Norton has been put forward for best variety show, against the Pop Idol phenomenon, dating show Perfect Match and Travel Sick, plus entries from other European countries.

In the comedy section, The Frank Skinner Show, The Sketch Show, Alistair McGowan's Big Impression, Smack The Pony, and animated satire 2DTV are all in contention.

While the sitcom section inlcudes My Family, O'Hanlon's My Hero, Gimme Gimme Gimme, The Estate Agents and E4's Los Dos Bros.

Banzai has been put forward for best game show, against Robert Kilroy-Silk's flop Shafted, Kirsty Young's similarly ill-fated The People Versus, Temptation Island and Make My Day.

Harry Hill's TV Burp is also up for an award.

Twenty-five countries will take part in the Montreux television festival from April 23 to 28.

Among last year's winners was Lenny Henry in Pieces.

Published: 7 Mar 2002