'An original take with excellent cast'

Derry Girls has been named best comedy at this year’s Broadcast Awards.

Judges praised the coming-of-age sitcom, set against the backdrop of the Northern Ireland Troubles as ‘an original take on the subject, with excellent cast and characterisation’.

The citation added: ‘Viewers were drawn in by its authentic depiction of what everyday life was like for youngsters against a backdrop of army checkpoints and bomb threats. But the clincher was its cast of larger-than-life characters, ably led by breakout star Saoirse-Monica Jackson, with support from Kevin McAleer and Peter Campion.’

Derry Girls attracted an average of 3 million viewers across its six-part run, it became C4’s biggest new comedy since 2012’s Derek.

Detectorists, Stath Lets Flats, This Country and The Windsors Royal Wedding Special were also shortlisted.

Elsewhere, ITV, which has just dropped its last remaining comedy programmes Birds Of A Feather and Bad Move, was named channel of the year.

The accolades were handed out by trade magazine Broadcast at London’s Grosvenor House, with Harry Hill hosting.

Published: 6 Feb 2019