NTA Drama Performance Category Makes History with First All-Female Shortlist

The National Television Awards has made history by announcing an all-female shortlist for the Best Drama Performance category, a first in the ceremony’s history.

The five nominees are Sheridan Smith for her portrayal of campaigner Ann Ming in ITV’s true-crime drama I Fought The Law; Ruth Jones for her role in the Netflix thriller Run Away; Vicky McClure as Lana Washington in Trigger Point; Ella Bruccoleri for the alternative period drama The Other Bennet Sister; and Judy Parfitt for her long-running role as Sister Monica Joan in Call The Midwife.

The shortlist was determined by a public vote from an initial longlist that featured prominent male actors including David Tennant, Gary Oldman, Idris Elba, James Norton, and Tom Hiddleston. A second round of voting across all 15 categories is now underway.

Elsewhere, Stacey Solomon has secured three nominations, including one for Best TV Presenter. That award was claimed last year by Gary Lineker following his departure from Match of the Day, ending Ant and Dec’s 23-year winning streak. Solomon will compete against the Geordie duo once more, as well as Sir David Attenborough in his centenary year, Claudia Winkleman, and Alison Hammond.

In the new Celebrity-Led Reality Docuseries category, Solomon and her partner Joe Swash face competition from Tyson Fury, Jeremy Clarkson, Kelvin Fletcher, and the angling duo Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse.

Mrs Brown’s Boys has received a Best Comedy nomination despite the recent cancellation of its festive specials due to creator Brendan O’Carroll’s broken jaw. Other notable nods include the Canadian co-production Heated Rivalry for Best New Drama and the final series of Strictly Come Dancing, hosted by Winkleman and Tess Daly, for Best Talent Show.

The NTAs, which celebrate the best of British television over the past year, launched in 1995. Public voting remains open until midday on 8 September, the day of the ceremony. Hosted by Joel Dommett, the event will take place at London’s O2 Arena and air live on ITV1 and ITVX from 20:00 BST.

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