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Apprentice versus X Factor for people's choice TV Bafta
Louise Jury, Chief Arts Correspondent02.04.09
THE APPRENTICE will go head-to-head with The X Factor in the public vote for the best television programme of the year.
Their rivals will include the depressed Scandinavian detective Wallander, played by Kenneth Branagh, and the E4 series Skins.
The shortlist for the award, voted for by the public and run by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, also includes long-running soap Coronation Street where the past year has seen the kidnap of Rosie Webster and the wedding of Tyrone and Molly.
The final show in the running is Outnumbered, the BBC family drama where three children routinely outwit their parents played by Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner.
The list was drawn up by a panel of TV experts. Viewers will pick the winner in an open vote by telephone, text message or online. Voting started today and runs until 6pm on 25 April. Paul Hobden, from sponsors Philips, said: "These are all great quality nominations that have had audiences glued to their screens."
Anne Marie Flynn, the head of awards at Bafta, said the list reflected the diversity of British television. "There is something there for everyone and it will be very interesting to see which emerges victorious on the night," she said.
The winner will be announced at the British Academy's television awards, which will be hosted by Graham Norton at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday 26 April.
To vote, viewers can telephone 0901 1221201 or SMS "BAFTA" to 82058, followed by a short space, then the name of the show they wish to vote for: Apprentice, Street, Skins, Outnumbered, Wallander or The X Factor. They can also cast their vote online at www.bafta.org/philipsaudienceaward.
All voters will be automatically included in a draw to win a Philips 42" television or one of 20 gift bags, identical to the ones that Bafta nominees will be receiving.
Gavin and Stacey won the audience award for the best programme last year.
