Graham Linehan misses out as Broadchurch sweeps BAFTAs

GRAHAM Linehan narrowly missed out on claiming an award at the British Academy Television Awards (BAFTA) on Sunday night, on an unsuccessful night for the Irish.

The Irish writer had received a double nomination in the category for The It Crowd and Count Arthur Strong, but BBC Three’s Him & Her: the Wedding was crowned the winner.

Channel 4’s The IT Crowd did pick up two awards in the comedy performance categories, however, with Richard Ayoade and Katherine Parkinson winning Best Actor and Actress respectively.

Several Irish actors also failed to get their hands on a BAFTA at the ceremony in London’s West End.

Down-native Jamie Dornan was nominated for Best Leading Actor for his role in crime series The Fall, but lost out to Sean Harris who was recognised for his performance in Southcliffe.

Roscommon's Chris O'Dowd fruitlessly contended for the Best Comedic Performance award for The IT Crowd, whilst host Graham Norton missed out on a statue for Best Entertainment Programme and Best Comedy Entertainment Programme.

Sarah Lancashire was named Best Supporting Actress for Last Tango in Halifax, whist Coronation Street won the award for Best Soap and Continuing Drama.

Breaking Bad claimed the International Award and the Radio Times Audience Award went to Doctor Who'sThe Day of the Doctor.

The Winners:

Entertainment Programme - Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway

Sport and Live Event - The Ashes 2013, First Test, Day Five

Current Affairs - Syria: Across the Lines (Dispatches)

Mini-Series - In the Flesh

Single Documentary - The Murder Trial

News Coverage - ITV News at Ten: The Woolwich Attacks

Features - Long Lost Family

Soap and Continuing Drama - Coronation Street

Specialist Factual - David Attenborough's Natural History Museum Alive 3D

Supporting Actor - David Bradley, Broadchurch