Dench drama leads critics' nods

Dame Judi Dench plays Miss Matty Jenkyns in Cranford

BBC One series Cranford, which stars Dame Judi Dench, has dominated the shortlist for the 34th annual Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.

The drama, which is based on three Elizabeth Gaskell novels, has picked up six nominations in four categories.

Michael Gambon, Philip Glenister, Dame Eileen Atkins and Dench are all up for best actor and actress. The series is also up for best drama and best writer.

The gongs, voted for by media journalists, will be awarded in April.

Writing and broadcasting

Gervais and Merchant are up for two awards for Extras

Channel 4's Boy A, Britz and The Mark of Cain will all compete against ITV1's My Boy Jack and BBC Two's Maxwell in the best single drama award category.

Dame Maggie Smith, who has been nominated for her role in BBC Two's Capturing Mary and Gina McKee, who starred in The Street and The Old Curiosity Shop, complete the best actress category.

Challenging Gambon and Glenister for the best actor award are David Suchet (Maxwell) and Andrew Garfield (Boy A and Freezing).

Gambon's nomination is for Joe's Palace and Celebration, as well as Cranford, while Glenister is also nominated for Life on Mars.

The Extras Christmas Special is up for the best comedy/entertainment award, along with Armstrong & Miller, Gavin & Stacey and Strictly Come Dancing.

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have also been shortlisted for the writers' award.

BBC political presenter Andrew Marr has been nominated for two awards, including best non-acting performer/presenter, where he is up against Jeremy Clarkson, Harry Hill, Ross Kemp and Stephen Fry.

The Broadcasting Press Guild's members are made up of journalists who specialise in television, radio and the media.