Stephen Merchant has once again triumphed over his Extras co-star Ricky Gervais, earning a nomination at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards. Ricky hasn't been nominated. Last year, Stephen won Best TV Comedy Actor at the British Comedy Awards over Gervais. Oscar-winner Dame Helen Mirren is nominated for best actress for her role in Prime Suspect (ITV1). Jim Broadbent is up for best actor for C4 drama Longford, alongside Life On Mars star Philip Glenister and Michael Sheen for Kenneth Williams - Fantabulosa! Richard & Judy, the show facing controversy over its phone-in quiz, failed to earn a best daytime programme nomination this year. Instead, the nominees are The New Paul O'Grady Show (C4), This Morning (ITV1) and Through Hell and High Water (BBC1). EastEnders is snubbed in the best soap category, which pits Coronation Street against Emmerdale and The Bill. BBC One shows Doctor Who, Life On Mars and The Street are all up for best drama series while ITV's Prime Suspect is in the running for drama serial. The RTS Programme Awards take place in London on March 13.
