Barbara 'is better than The Office'

Nominations for the National TV Awards have been announced - with new comedies overlooked in favour of old stalwarts.

David Jason again dominates the shortlist, up for best actor and best comedy performer, with his shows Only Fools And Horses and A Touch Of Frost both up for awards, too,

The Christmas special was the sole Only Fools show to be made in the last year, and received a lukewarm critical reception - but 20million viewers. And it is viewers who decide the winners in these awards, not critics or industry insiders.

In its category, Only Fools is up against Cold Feet, Friends and the Gwen Taylor vehicle Barbara. The hugely acclaimed The Office does not make an appearance on the shortlist.

The Simpsons has been placed in the entertainment category, rather than comedy, where it faces competition from Pop Idol, Stars In Their Eyes and Another Audience With Ken Dodd.

Dawn French, Billy Connolly, Alistair McGowan and Kathy Burke will vie with Jason in the best comedy performer category.

And comics Graham Norton and Lily Savage face competition from Davina McCall and Ant and Dec to be named best entertainment presenter.

Norton's Channel 4 show V Graham Norton is also in with a shot as best talk show, as are The Kumars at Number 42, Parkinson and Des O'Connor Tonight.

And They Think It's All Over has made the shortlist for best quiz show, alongside A Question Of Sport, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and The Weakest Link

The award ceremony, hosted by Trevor McDonald, will be broadcast on ITV1 from the Royal Albert Hall on October 15.

Published: 1 Oct 2002