Vegas named best TV newcomer

Johnny Vegas has been named best newcomer at the Royal Television Society awards for his role in Paul Whitehouse's Happiness.

Others rewarded at the event included Alistair McGowan, who won best entertainment performance award for his Big Impression while The Office won bestcomedy.

Vegas said: "I truly didn't think I was going to win.

"I guess because I am not an actor, I am one of those who will do all the stuff no trained actor will do and they think, 'Let's get him now before he gets any pride'."

Other winners were Ant and Dec (best presenter, EastEnders (best soap), The Weakest Link (best daytime programme) Clocking Off (best drama), Perfect Strangers (best serial/single drama), Stephen Poliakoff (bestwriter), Diane Parish (best actress), David Suchet (best actor).

Published: 20 Mar 2002