The Stage

BBC favourites lead shortlist for Bafta viewers’ vote

Published Monday 5 March 2007 at 10:05 by Liz Thomas

Life on Mars, The Royle Family - The Queen of Sheba, and the Vicar of Dibley Christmas Special are among the shows that have made the shortlist for the Pioneer Audience Award for the Best Programme of 2006 for this year’s Bafta Television Awards.

The accolade aims to honour the show that has helped to define television in 2006, receiving critical acclaim through its original approach and capturing the public’s imagination. It is the only one voted for by viewers rather than those in the industry.

David Attenborough’s Planet Earth, reality business show Dragon’s Den, and Celebrity Big Brother 2006 are also on the shortlist, which was compiled by a jury made up of industry experts and chaired by The Office producer Ash Atalla.

Heidi Johnson-Cash, Pioneer’s general manager (marketing), said: “The battle lines have been drawn for the Pioneer Audience Award and this promises to be one of the most hotly contested years yet. This is a fantastic chance for the public to vote for their favourite show, and with such strong nominations it’s difficult to predict a winner.”

The results will be announced at the awards ceremony at the London Palladium on May 20. To vote for the Pioneer Audience Award visit www.obsessedwith.tv.