Comedy Awards portraits unveiled

Old Masters-style portraits of British comedy stars have today been unveiled to publicise the British Comedy Awards.

The oil paintings are commissioned to hang on the walls of the London Studios for this year’s ceremony on Wednesday.

The late Ronnie Barker – in whose honour the writers’ award has been dedicated – is shown as Caravaggio's  Fortune Teller.

Ricky Gervais and his Extras co-stars features in Jacopo Palma's Mars, Venus And Cupid. The show leads the shortlists, with a record five nomination, including best comedy, best actor and best actress for Ashley Jensen.

Peter Kay appears in a version of William Weekes's Which Way To Market? – with the sign now pointing to Amarillo –  and Lily Savage creator Paul O'Grady appears as Lord Nelson in a portrait by Sir William Beechey.

And in a different style, Catherine Tate features in a Chinese Cultural Revolution poster as her ‘Am I bovvered?’ teenager Lauren

It was also announced today that awards presenters at the televised ceremony will include Jackie Stallone,  Kath and Kim,  and jungle queen Carol Thatcher.

Published: 13 Dec 2005