THREE IRISH TV personalities were recognised at the British Comedy Awards at the weekend.
Graham Linehan scooped the comedy writers' award for penning shows such as Father Ted, Black Booksand the IT Crowd.
The series Pulling, co-written and starring Sharon Horgan, was named best television comedy drama.
And veteran broadcaster Terry Wogan, who retired from his long-running Radio 2 breakfast show this month, was also honoured with a lifetime achievement award. “This only sustains my long-felt theory in our business if you can stay upright and reasonably sober they’ll give you something in the end,” said Wogan.
Family sitcom Outnumberedbagged a trio of gongs at the awards. The part-improvised BBC One comedy, starring Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner, won best sitcom, best female newcomer for child star Romona Marquez and the overall best comedy prize. It was another good night for Harry Hill, who won best entertainment programme for TV Burp– the third time in four years – and reclaimed the best personality award he won in 2006.
Host Jonathan Ross was back presenting the awards after missing last year’s show in the wake of the “Sachsgate” scandal.
In a year when comedians such as Frankie Boyle and Jimmy Carr have faced criticism for offensive jokes, Boyle’s appearance at the televised ITV awards could have backfired.
Michael McIntyre and Alan Carr had been tipped for a good night with three nominations each.
But McIntyre only picked up the gong for best stand-up and Carr left empty-handed.
– (PA)