Sophie Willan's comedy wins at Broadcast Awards

Sophie Willan’s series Alma's Not Normal has been named best comedy at the Broadcast Awards.

One judge noted how the show explored tough subjects including poverty, growing up in care, addiction, homelessness, mental health and sex work ’in a way that is totally joyous, wholly honest, and incredibly believable’.

They added: ‘ While raging at the system, Willan has created loveable, vulnerable and hilarious characters who will stay with you for a long time afterwards and truly make you think.’

Another judge said the show tells a ‘compelling story in a truly original way’ with a ‘perfect balance of joy, relentless jokes, brilliant characters, cast and performances’.

And a third said: ‘Just like Alma, the show is anything but normal. It’s really special – moving, innovative and very, very funny.’

Nida Manzoor's We Are Lady Parts  – about a mild-mannered student  persuaded to join a Muslim female punk band – was highly commended in the same categories, with judges noting that the show ‘challenges cultural norms and redefines how Muslim women are represented on screen’.

The other shortlisted shows were Dreaming Whilst Black, Ghosts, Ladybaby and Starstruck.

Last year, Alma's Not Normal secured Willan the Bafta craft award for comedy writing, and a nomination in the Royal Television Society Awards for her performance in the title role.

Elsewhere in last night’s awards, ITV2 panel show Don't Hate The Playaz was named best entertainment programme category over  fellow nominees The Ranganation, I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!, Strictly Come Dancing, The Masked Singer and Too Hot To Handle.

Judges were particularly impressed by its casting, which provided the first all-black, all-female line-up on a British panel show.

They said it  feels ‘natural and connected to popular culture in a current, fresh way’ and helped the broadcaster find a new audience, because it does not 'shoehorn in diversity, it embraces it’.

Other winners in the awards included It's A Sin, Clarkson's Farm and Casualty. BBC One was channel of the year. The full list of winners is here.

Published: 11 Feb 2022