Nomination irks children's charity

The Brass Eye special on paedophilia has been nominated for two awards in the television Baftas, sparking a new bout of controversy.

Chris Morris's satire has been shortlisted for best comedy, and is in line for the innovation award.

An NSPCC spokeswoman said: "We regret that a programme that trivialises the abuse of children should be considered worthy of an award.

The awards will be given out at a ceremony hosted by Chris Tarrant on Sunday April 21.

Comedy-related nominees are:

Best entertainment performance
Ant and Dec for Pop Idol
John Bird and John Fortune for Bremner, Bird and Fortune
Paul Merton for Have I Got News For You
Graham Norton for So Graham Norton

Best comedy performance
Kathy Burke for Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
Ricky Gervais for The Office
Robert Lindsay for My Family
Joanna Lumley for Absolutely Fabulous

Innovation
Banzai
Blue Planet
Brass Eye Special
Double Take

Best entertainment programme or series
Have I Got News For You?
Parkinson
Pop Idol
Room 101

Best situation comedy
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
Happiness
The Office
Spaced II

Best comedy programme or series
Brass Eye Special
Bremner, Bird and Fortune
The Kumars at No 42
The Sketch Show

Published: 20 Mar 2002