BBC cock-up doesn't dent its chances

Ricky Gervais has made the shortlist for the Bafta awards despite the BBC missing his name off their nominees.

He is up for best comedy performer in the list officially unveiled today, as is his Office co-star Martin Freeman.

David Walliams and Matt Lucas from Little Britain are the other nominees in the category.

Bafta had to bend their rules to allow Gervais's name to go forward after the BBC failed to nominate one of their biggest comedy names. The corporation put it down to a 'clerical error'.

Unsurprisingly, The Office Christmas specials have been nominated for best sitcom. The other shows in the category are Marion And Geoff, Peep Show and Hardware.

Little Britain is also in with a shot for best comedy programme or series, where it is nominated aliongside Bo Selecta, Creature Comforts and Double Take.

Meanwhile, Spectator editor Boris Johnson MP has been shortlisted for best entertainment performance for his appearance on Have I Got News For You.

He's up against Paul Merton for the same show, Stephen Fry for QI, and Jonathan Ross for his Friday-night BBC1 talk show.

Published: 23 Mar 2004