Writers' Guild nominations out

Plebs, People Just Do Nothing and Fleabag have been named as the best-written TV sitcoms of the year.

The three shows – all of which debuted on digital channels – make up the sitcom shortlist of the  Writers' Guild of Great Britain awards.

ITV2’s Plebs is penned by Tom Basden and Sam Leifer, BBC Three’s People Just Do Nothing by Asim Chaudhry, Allan Mustafa, Steve Stamp and BBC Three’s Fleabag by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Notably, all the writers appear in their own shows, except Leifer, who directs. And the teams are notably smaller than those on the 

shortlists for the Writers Guild Of America awards, also announced today.

Nominated for the best radio comedy writing are  Guilt Trip, by Katherine Jakeways, Felicity Montagu and Olivia Nixon;  The Pin by Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen and  John Finnemore’s Double Acts. All were made for Radio 4.

The Writers' Guild awards will be presented by Meera Syal on January 23 at the Royal College of Physicians in central London. 

She said: ‘Someone once said, probably a writer, that the writer is the only true originator of a script, everyone else that follows is merely an interpreter. 

‘While the directors and producers slug it out, let’s at least agree that whilst everyone can have a great idea, it takes a great writer to bring it to life.

‘I’m very honoured to be hosting the WGGB Awards where we can come together to celebrate our extraordinary community of writing talent.’

Published: 6 Dec 2016