Thaw nominated for TV award

TV favourite John Thaw is up for a posthumous title to crown him telly’s most popular actor at the UK's National TV Awards, as the short-list was announced today.

He is up against his old rival David Jason who has landed a record four nominations – the highest number ever achieved at the annual awards event.

Thaw and Jason have each picked up the most popular actor title twice in the past. The event takes place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on October 15.

Inspector Morse actor Thaw died earlier this year after a battle with throat cancer. He is nominated for his performance in Hidden Treasure, an ITV1 drama which landed him the Lew Grade Award at the TV Baftas after a vote by viewers.

His widow Sheila Hancock accepted that prize with a moving tribute to her beloved partner of three decades.

Last month she led a memorial service in London at which he was fondly remembered by showbiz colleagues.

He and Jason face a challenge from three EastEnders actors for the title most popular actor, along with Perry Fenwick (who plays Billy Mitchell), and bad boys Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) and Alex Ferns (Trevor Morgan).

Jason’s huge tally of nominations sees him also competing for most popular comedy actor title, most popular comedy programme and most popular drama categories.

He burst back on to screens last year with the return of Only Fools And Horses, which landed him his comedy programme nomination, alongside other shows including Cold Feet and Friends.

Screen sisters Jessie Wallace and Kacey Ainsworth – Kat and Mo from EastEnders - compete for the title of most popular actress. They are up against Julie Walters, Pauline Quirke and Emmerdale’s Leah Bracknell.

Ant and Dec – winners of last year’s most popular entertainment presenter prize have a chance to repeat the success this year. Competition for the title includes Big Brother’s Davina McCall and Channel 4’s Graham Norton.

Norton is also up for best talk show and his competition includes regular winner Michael Parkinson.

The awards will be hosted by Trevor McDonald.