Simon Cowell could be set to take on Mary Berry at the 2015 National Television Awards.
The music mogul is likely to go up against the ‘Great British Bake Off’ star to be crowned best TV judge at the annual ceremony in January next year, as the contenders have now been revealed.
Simon’s ‘X Factor’ colleague Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is also in contention for the prize, along with Lord Alan Sugar, will.i.am, Darcey Bussell, Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden and David Walliams.
‘The Great British Bake-Off’ also faces competition in the Skills Challenge Show category from ‘The Apprentice’ and ‘MasterChef’, while ‘The X Factor’ will take on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘The Voice UK’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in the Talent Show category.
In the Drama category, Peter Capaldi’s ‘Doctor Who’ goes up against ‘Downton Abbey’ for the coveted prize, with other contenders including ‘Last Tango in Halifax’, ‘Sherlock’, ‘Happy Valley’ and ‘Grantchester’.
Sheridan Smith will go head to head with ‘Happy Valley’ star Sarah Lancashire in the Drama Performance category for her role in ‘Cilla’, although , ‘Mr Selfridge’s’ Katherine Kelly, ‘The Escape Artist’ star David Tennant and ‘Downton Abbey’s’ Jim Carter all provide strong competition.
Soaps ‘Emmerdale’, ‘Hollyoaks’ and ‘EastEnders’ will also take on three time winner ‘Coronation Street’ in an attempt to take home the Serial Drama title.
The NTA shortlist will be announced in January when the final round of voting begins, with the awards – hosted by Dermot O’Leary – taking place at The O2 in London on January 21, 2015 where the results will be revealed live.
All the winners will be decided by the public who can vote for free online at www.nationaltvawards.com from today (14.10.14).
Simon Cowell takes on Mary Berry for National Television Award
