2023

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

Sarah Lancashire

“A very vital component in all this is you the audience, because without you all this would grind to a crashing halt.”

SERIAL DRAMA
EastEnders
TALENT SHOW
Strictly Come Dancing
NEW DRAMA
Wednesday
REALITY COMPETITION
The Traitors
AUTHORED DOCUMENTARY
Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now
RETURNING DRAMA
Happy Valley
TV PRESENTER
Ant & Dec
FACTUAL
Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs
DRAMA PERFORMANCE
Sarah Lancashire
THE BRUCE FORSYTH ENTERTAINMENT AWARD
Gogglebox
TV INTERVIEW
The Graham Norton Show
SERIAL DRAMA PERFORMANCE
Danielle Harold
QUIZ GAME SHOW
The 1% Club
RISING STAR
Bobby Brazier
DAYTIME
The Repair Shop
COMEDY
Young Sheldon
2022

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

Sir Lenny Henry

The Special Recognition Award goes to a force of nature who has been blazing a trail for nearly half a century and is beloved for so many reasons. As a comedian, campaigner, mentor, actor, writer, fundraiser – and for never failing to bring the funny.

NEW DRAMA
Trigger Point
TALENT SHOW
Strictly Come Dancing
AUTHORED DOCUMENTARY
Kate Garraway: Caring for Derek
RETURNING DRAMA
Peaky Blinders
TV PRESENTER
Ant & Dec
FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT
Gogglebox
DRAMA PERFORMANCE
Cillian Murphy
THE BRUCE FORSYTH ENTERTAINMENT AWARD
I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
SERIAL DRAMA
Emmerdale
EXPERT
Martin Lewis
SERIAL DRAMA PERFORMANCE
Mark Charnock
QUIZ GAME SHOW
Beat the Chasers
RISING STAR
Paddy Bever
DAYTIME
This Morning
COMEDY
After Life
TALENT SHOW JUDGE
Anton Du Beke
2021

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

Line of Duty

The Special Recognition Award goes to a blockbuster thriller that can truly be described as arresting TV. It’s a show that had the nation obsessing over the busting of bent coppers, with an audience of 15million making it our most watched drama of the 21st century.

The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Returning Drama
Line of Duty
Challenge Show
The Great British Bake Off
New Drama
It's A Sin
Talent Show
Strictly Come Dancing
Authored Documentary
Kate Garraway: Finding Derek
TV Presenter
Ant and Dec
Factual
Gogglebox
Drama Performance
David Tennant
Serial Drama
Coronation Street
Serial Drama Performance
Mollie Gallagher
Quiz Game Show
Beat the Chasers
Newcomer
Jude Riordan
Daytime
This Morning
Comedy
After Life
2020

Special Recognition Award

Sir Michael Palin

“I want to dedicate this award tonight to someone who taught me more about television than anyone else, my dear friend and erstwhile Python, Terry Jones.”

2020

Impact Award

Gavin & Stacey

“It is lush and it is tidy… Thank you to you the viewers and the fans, all 18.5 million of you because without you we wouldn’t be here tonight.” - Ruth Jones

New Drama
Chernobyl
Talent Show
Strictly Come Dancing
Drama
Peaky Blinders
TV Presenter
Ant & Dec
Factual
Jesy Nelson: ‘Odd One Out’
Drama Performance
Cillian Murphy
The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award
I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Challenge Show
The Great British Bake Off
Serial Drama
Emmerdale
Serial Drama Performance
Katie McGlynn
Comedy
Mrs Brown’s Boys
Newcomer
Peter Ash
Live Magazine Show
This Morning
TV Judge
David Walliams
2019

Special Recognition Award

David Dimbleby

“...it’s the questions that matter and I hope that I will be able to carry on asking the questions for years to come... I’m really proud to have this Award.”

Quiz Show
The Chase
New Drama
Bodyguard
Talent Show
Strictly Come Dancing
Drama
Peaky Blinders
TV Presenter
Ant & Dec
Factual Entertainment
Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs
Drama Performance
Richard Madden
The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award
I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
Serial Drama
Emmerdale
Serial Drama Performance
Danny Dyer
Comedy
Peter Kay's Car Share
Newcomer
James Moore
Daytime
This Morning
TV Judge
David Walliams
2018

Special Recognition Award

Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs

Paul O’Grady was celebrated for changing the public perception of rehoming rescue dogs via his hugely popular series For the Love of Dogs

2018

Impact Award

Blue Planet II

“...if our television programmes have helped stir the consciences of people around the world, and we are going to do something to protect our beautiful planet, then all of us will be very pleased.” - Sir David Attenborough

Challenge Show
I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Crime Drama
Broadchurch
Talent Show
Strictly Come Dancing
Drama
Doctor Foster
TV Presenter
Ant & Dec
Factual Entertainment
Gogglebox
Drama Performance
Suranne Jones
The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway
Serial Drama
Emmerdale
Serial Drama Performance
Lucy Fallon
Comedy
Peter Kay's Car Share
Newcomer
Danny Walters
Daytime
This Morning
TV Judge
David Walliams
2017

Special Recognition Award

Graham Norton

Challenge Show
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Comedy
Mrs Brown's Boys
Drama
Casualty
Period Drama
Call The Midwife
Talent Show
Strictly Come Dancing
Factual Entertainment
Gogglebox
Live Magazine Show
This Morning
Drama Performance
Sarah Lancashire
Entertainment Programme
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway
Newcomer
Faye Brookes
Serial Drama Performance
Lacey Turner
TV Judge
Mary Berry
Serial Drama
Emmerdale
Daytime
The Chase
TV Presenter
Ant & Dec
2016

Special Recognition Award

Billy Connolly

“It’s unbelievable and yet no surprise that we’re celebrating fifty years of Billy Connolly. Because he doesn’t compromise, because he doesn’t fit a label, he has no shelf life, he’s not part of a phase. He’s unique. He is… Billy Connolly” - NTAs

Challenge Show
The Great British Bake Off
Drama
Downton Abbey
Entertainment Programme
I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Serial Drama Performance
Danny Dyer
Comedy
Peter Kay's Car Share
Impact Award
Aidan Turner
Live Magazine Show
This Morning
Newcomer
Shayne Ward
New Drama
Doctor Foster
Daytime
The Chase
TV Presenter
Ant & Dec
International
The Big Bang Theory
Drama Performance
Suranne Jones
Factual Entertainment
Gogglebox
Serial Drama
EastEnders
Talent Show
Strictly Come Dancing
2015

Special Recognition Award

David Tennant

“Anyone who’s ever given me a shot, thank you very much and anyone who’s ever let me into their living room on the telly, it’s a real honour and a privilege to get to do that, so thank you.”

Skills Challenge Show
The Great British Bake Off
Factual
Gogglebox
Chat Show Host
Alan Carr
Multichannel
Celebrity Juice
TV Judge
David Walliams
Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
Downton Abbey
Newcomer
Maddy Hill
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Daytime
This Morning
Entertainment Programme
I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Talent Show
The X Factor
Serial Drama Performance
Danny Dyer
Drama Performance
Sheridan Smith
Comedy
Mrs Brown's Boys
Landmark Award
Comic Relief
2014

Landmark Award

Ant & Dec

“Thank you. The last 25 years have been a pleasure.” - Ant

“Neither of us would be here if it wasn't for each other.” - Dec

Serial Drama
Coronation Street
Drama
Doctor Who
Newcomer
Khali Best
TV Detective
Benedict Cumberbatch
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Daytime
This Morning
Entertainment Programme
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Documentary
Educating Yorkshire
Talent Show
Strictly Come Dancing
Serial Drama Performance
Julie Hesmondhalgh
Drama Performance
Matt Smith
Factual Entertainment
Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs
Comedy
Mrs Brown's Boys
2013

Special Recognition Award

Joanna Lumley

“Life doesn't get any better than this. I love you. Thank you with all my heart!”

Serial Drama
Coronation Street
Drama
Downton Abbey
Newcomer
David Witts
Comedy Panel Show
QI
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Daytime
This Morning
Entertainment Programme
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Documentary Series
Frozen Planet
Talent Show
Strictly Come Dancing
Serial Drama Performance
Alan Halsall
Drama Performance: Male
Colin Morgan
Drama Performance: Female
Miranda Hart
Factual Entertainment
Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs
Situation Comedy
Mrs Brown's Boys
Landmark Award
London 2012
2012

Special Recognition Award

Jonathan Ross

“Thank you so much for this, it’s such a lovely thing and I appreciate it very much”

Serial Drama
Coronation Street
Drama
Downton Abbey
Newcomer
Jacqueline Jossa
Comedy Panel Show
Celebrity Juice
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Daytime
This Morning
Reality Programme
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Entertainment Programme
Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow
Talent Show
The X Factor
Serial Drama Performance
Katherine Kelly
Drama Performance: Male
Matt Smith
Drama Performance: Female
Karen Gillan
Talk Show
Alan Carr: Chatty Man
Situation Comedy
Outnumbered
Outstanding Contribution Award
Gary Barlow
Landmark Award
David Walliams
2011

Special Recognition Award

Bruce Forsyth

“It’s so overwhelming - it’s the best thing I’ve ever won”

Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
Waterloo Road
Newcomer
Ricky Norwood
Comedy Programme
Benidorm
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Factual Programme
Top Gear
Entertainment Programme
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Talent Show
The X Factor
Serial Drama Performance
Lacey Turner
Drama Performance
David Jason
Digital Choice
The Inbetweeners
Topical Magazine Programme
This Morning
2010

Special Recognition Award

Stephen Fry

“OMFG. I really am completely staggered… Thank you!”

Serial Drama
Coronation Street
Drama
Doctor Who
Newcomer
Craig Gazey
Comedy Programme
Gavin & Stacey
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Factual Programme
Loose Women
Entertainment Programme
Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway
Talent Show
The X Factor
Serial Drama Performance
Lacey Turner
Drama Performance
David Tennant
Star Travel Documentary
Stephen Fry In America
2008

Special Recognition Award

Simon Cowell

“This is the one time I get to say, whoever has watched our shows, I really do appreciate it… I am absolutely thrilled!”

Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
Doctor Who
Newcomer
Rita Simons
Comedy Programme
Benidorm
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Factual Programme
Top Gear
Entertainment Programme
The Paul O’Grady Show
Talent Show
Strictly Come Dancing
Serial Drama Performance
Matt Littler
Drama Performance
David Tennant
2007

Special Recognition Award

Jeremy Clarkson

“And then of course there’s James and Richard, without whom… actually this still would have been possible, so thank you very much!”

Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
Doctor Who
Newcomer
Kym Ryder
Comedy Programme
The Catherine Tate Show
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Actress
Lacey Turner
Actor
David Tennant
Factual Programme
Top Gear
Entertainment Programme
Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway
Reality Programme
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Talent Programme
The X Factor
2006

Special Recognition Award

Sir David Attenborough

“It’s the penguins, gorillas, polar bears and birds of paradise, and the fact that you care for them, that has brought me this. Thank you.”

Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
Doctor Who
Newcomer
Charlie Clements
Quiz
Gameshow Marathon
Comedy Programme
Little Britain
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Actress
Billie Piper
Factual Programme
Top Gear
Actor
David Tennant
Entertainment Programme
The X Factor
Daytime Programme
Deal Or No Deal
Reality Programme
Big Brother
TV Landmark Award
David Walliams
TV Contender
Nikki Grahame
2005

Special Recognition Award

Jamie Oliver

“This is a tremendous honour. I’m just a chef really so I didn’t expect all this. Nice one!”

Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
Doctor Who
Newcomer
Antony Cotton
Quiz
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Comedy Programme
Little Britain
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Actress
Billie Piper
Factual Programme
Jamie’s School Dinners
Actor
Christopher Eccleston
Entertainment Programme
The X Factor
Daytime Programme
The Paul O’Grady Show
Reality Programme
Big Brother
TV Landmark Award
Tony Warren
TV Expert
Sharon Osbourne
2004

Special Recognition Award

Caroline Quentin

“I love this! To all the viewers, thank you so much.”

Serial Drama
Coronation Street
Drama
The Bill
Newcomer
Sam Aston
Quiz
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Comedy Programme
Little Britain
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Actress
Suranne Jones
Factual Programme
Wife Swap
Actor
David Jason
Entertainment Programme
Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway
Daytime Programme
This Morning
Reality Programme
Big Brother
Sports Moment
Rugby World Cup
2003

Special Recognition Award

Sir Trevor McDonald

“It’s a real privilege to present this award to someone who has made an extraordinary contribution to British Broadcasting over many years and is admired and respected by everyone in this country.” - PM Tony Blair

Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
A Touch of Frost
Newcomer
Nigel Harman
Quiz
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Comedy Programme
My Family
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Actress
Jessie Wallace
Actor
Shane Richie
Entertainment Programme
Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway
Factual Entertainment Programme
GMTV
Reality Programme
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
2002

Special Recognition Award

Ant & Dec

“I really am speechless to be honest.” - Ant

“No, really we are speech-less, we have no speech! We had no idea this was coming… To be receiving something like this is quite unbelievable for us!” - Dec

Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
Auf Wiedersehen, Pet
Newcomer
Kim Medcalf
Quiz
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Comedy Programme
Cold Feet
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Actress
Kacey Ainsworth
Actor
David Jason
Comedy Performer
David Jason
Talkshow
V Graham Norton
Factual Programme
Big Brother
Entertainment Programme
Pop Idol
Daytime Programme
Bargain Hunt
2001

Special Recognition Award

Des O’Connor

“My goodness, what a surprise, I’m shaking! After thirty nine years on prime time, you’d think I’d be okay wouldn’t you?”

Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
Bad Girls
Newcomer
Jessie Wallace
Quiz
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Comedy Programme
The Royle Family
Entertainment Presenter
Ant & Dec
Actress
Amanda Burton
Actor
David Jason
Comedy Performer
Ricky Tomlinson
Talkshow
Parkinson
Factual Programme
Big Brother
Entertainment Programme
My Kind Of Music
Daytime Programme
This Morning
2000

Special Recognition Award

Chris Tarrant

“It’s been splendid. We have amazing production people in this country and we still make easily the best television in the world, and I’m very proud to be part of that.”

Serial Drama
Coronation Street
Drama
Bad Girls
Newcomer
Tina O’Brien
Quiz
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Comedy Programme
The Royle Family
Entertainment Presenter
Michael Barrymore
Actress
Sarah Lancashire
Actor
Martin Kemp
Comedy Performer
Michael Barrymore
Talkshow
Parkinson
Advert
WH Smith
Factual Entertainment Programme
Animal Hospital
Entertainment Programme
Stars in Their Eyes
Daytime Programme
This Morning
1999

Special Recognition Award

Michael Barrymore

“I love every one of you. To all my fans, thank you very much. To all those who don’t like me, tough!”

Serial Drama
Coronation Street
Drama
Goodnight Mister Tom
Newcomer
Tamzin Outhwaite
Quiz
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Comedy Programme
Last of the Summer Wine
Entertainment Presenter
Lily Savage
Actress
Amanda Burton
Actor
John Thaw
Comedy Performer
Nicholas Lyndhurst
Talkshow
Parkinson
Advert
Tesco
Factual Entertainment Programme
Animal Hospital
Entertainment Programme
Stars in Their Eyes
Daytime Programme
This Morning
Documentary
Vets In Practice
1998

Special Recognition Award

John Thaw

“It’s a great honour.… I wondered if I may share this with my wife, Sheila, for the times that we’ve passed on the stairs and I’ve said “I can’t talk to you now, I’m working”. I love her dearly. Thank you very much.”

Serial Drama
Coronation Street
Drama
Jonathan Creek
Newcomer
Anna Brecon
Quiz
Have I Got News For You
Comedy Programme
The Vicar of Dibley
Entertainment Presenter
Michael Barrymore
Actress
Amanda Burton
Actor
John Thaw
Comedy Performer
Nicholas Lyndhurst
Talkshow
Parkinson
Advert
Diet Coke
Factual Entertainment Programme
Changing Rooms
Entertainment Programme
Stars in Their Eyes
Daytime Programme
This Morning
Documentary
Full Circle With Michael Palin
1997

Special Recognition Award

Robson Green

“Oh no, it’s a very good laxative this!”

Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
Reckless
Newcomer
Matthew Marsden
Quiz
They Think It’s All Over
Comedy Programme
Only Fools and Horses
Entertainment Presenter
Michael Barrymore
Actress
Martine McCutcheon
Actor
David Jason
Comedy Performer
David Jason
Talkshow
Des O’Connor Tonight
Children's Programme
Blue Peter
Advert
WH Smith
Factual Entertainment Programme
Animal Hospital
Entertainment Programme
An Evening With Lily Savage
Daytime Programme
Can’t Cook Won’t Cook
1996

Special Recognition Award

David Jason

“What a wonderful accolade, to be given this lovely award by the people who have given me so much pleasure to entertain, I mean the viewers.”

Serial Drama
EastEnders
Drama
The Bill
Newcomer
Lisa Riley
Quiz
They Think It’s All Over
Comedy Programme
Men Behaving Badly
Entertainment Presenter
Michael Barrymore
Actress
Dervla Kirwan
Actor
David Duchovny
Comedy Performer
Martin Clunes
Talkshow
The Ricki Lake Show
Children's Programme
Top of the Pops
Broadcaster
Sir Trevor McDonald
Factual Entertainment Programme
Animal Hospital
Entertainment Programme
Stars in Their Eyes
1995

Special Recognition Award

Julie Goodyear

“You’re not going to change your mind and take it back are you? Because I don’t part with things easily!”

Serial Drama
Coronation Street
Drama
Soldier Soldier
Newcomer
Angela Griffin
Quiz
Strike It Lucky
Comedy Programme
Men Behaving Badly
Entertainment Presenter
Michael Barrymore
Actress
Anna Friel
Actor
Robson Green
Comedy Performer
Brian Conley
Talkshow
Des O’Connor Tonight
Children's Programme
Top of the Pops
Factual Programme
Animal Hospital
Family Programme
Barrymore