DAME JUDI DENCH's hit TV drama CRANFORD is leading the way at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards with six nominations.
The BBC series, based on three novels by author Elizabeth Gaskell, is up for Drama Series and Writer prizes, among others, while revered actress Dench is nominated for the Actress gong.
Dame Maggie Smith is also in the running for the Actress award, for her role in another BBC programme, Capturing Mary.
Meanwhile, Dench's Cranford co-star Sir Michael Gambon will compete against David Suchet for the Actor prize, in which Suchet is recognised for his role in BBC drama Maxwell.
And funnyman Ricky Gervais' hit Extras Xmas Special has landed him nominations in the Comedy/Entertainment and Writing categories alongside his scripting partner Stephen Merchant.
The winners of the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards, voted for by media journalists, will be revealed at a ceremony in London on 4 April (08). (MT/WNWCGU+WNWCCB/TN)