BBC1's Sherlocktook the award for best drama series at last night's TV Bafta Awards. The hit series beat shows such as ITV1's Downton Abbey, as well as BBC3's Being Humanand E4's Misfits.
Sherlock– based on Conan Doyle's timeless stories – was launched last summer and became a huge hit, despite running to only three episodes, although new shows are now in production.
Writer and co-creator of the modern day adaptation of the detective shows Mark Gatiss said: “It’s a huge honour and a fantastic surprise. Thank you so much – it’s a huge thrill.”
The event – formally called the Philips British Academy Television Awards – is one of the biggest nights in the British TV world and attracts the cream of TV talent.
The New Media prize went to Wallace And Gromit's World Of Adventure, beating online spin-offs and apps for the BBC's Brain Test Britain, the Thick Of Itand Misfits. Another winner at the awards bash at London's Grosvenor House was the BBC1 film Between Life And Death, which was named best single documentary. Presenter Graham Norton raised a chuckle as he lined up the International TV Show award when he cracked a gag about Geordie Cheryl Cole's recent recruitment for the US version of the X Factor.
"Just because a programme has subtitles doesn't mean it can't be successful – just look at Cheryl Cole on American X Factor." The prize went to epic Danish crime drama The Killing. Norton joked: "Thank you Denmark — first bacon, now The Killing."
The news coverage prize was taken by ITV News AT Ten's coverage of the Cumbria murders.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's campaigning Channel 4 series Hugh's Fish Fighttook the best features prize. The show – which beat programmes such as Come Dine With Me, Mary Queen Of Shopsand Pineapple Dance Studios– has been aiming to raise awareness of our dwindling fish stocks. Fearnley-Whittingstall joked: "Given the amazing competition, it's nice to know that there are so many fish on the Bafta juries.
A surprise winner of the best comedy prize was BBC2's Harry And Paul– so much so that stars Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield had not attended the event.
It beat shows featuring Catherine Tate and comic duo Matt Lucas and David Walliams.
Ceremony host Norton also found himself among the winners when he took the title for best entertainment performance.
The BBC1 host told guests: “This is incredible – we used to win these years ago and I’d forgotten how nice it is.” – (PA)
Television awards: the winners
Leading Actor: Daniel Rigby, Eric And Ernie
Leading Actress: Vicky McClure, This Is England '86
Supporting Actor:Martin Freeman, Sherlock
Supporting Actress: Lauren Socha, Misfits
Entertainment Performance: Graham Norton, The Graham Norton Show
Female Performance in a Comedy Programme: Jo Brand, Getting On
Male Performance in a Comedy Programme: Steve Coogan, The Trip
Single Drama: The Road To Coronation Street
Drama Series: Sherlock
Drama Serial: Any Human Heart
Continuing Drama: EastEnders
International: The Killing
Factual Series: Welcome To Lagos
Specialist Factual: Flying Monsters 3D
Single Documentary: Between Life And Death
Features: Hugh's Fish Fight
Current Affairs: Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children, BBC4
News Coverage: ITV News At Ten: The Cumbria Murders
Sport:Formula 1, The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
New Media: Wallace And Gromit's World of Invention
Entertainment Programme: The Cube
Comedy Programme: Harry and Paul
Situation Comedy: Rev
Bafta special award:Peter Bennett-Jones