BBC and Channel 4 triumph at Baftas

The BBC and Channel 4 have celebrated multiple successes at the Baftas, with several of their shows winning top awards.

'Eastenders' was named best continuing drama, beating ITV rival 'Coronation Street', while other winners included best drama series for 'Doctor Who', best feature for 'The Apprentice', best drama serial for 'Bleak House' and best sitcom for BBC 4 show 'The Thick of It'.

The BBC also won the award for best news coverage, for its coverage of the July 7 London bomb attacks.

Channel 4's 'The Government Inspector', based on the Dr David Kelly' affair, was named the best single drama. Jamie Oliver's series 'Jamie's School Dinners' also picked up the award for best factual series.

ITV had only winner on the night, with 'The X Factor', beating 'Have I Got News For You', 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Friday Night With Jonathan Ross' to win the award for best entertainment programme,

In the acting awards, Mark Rylance was named best actor for his role in 'The Government Inspector', beating the likes of Bernard Hill (nominated for his role in the satirical government drama 'A Very Social Secretary') and Rufus Sewell in 'The Taming of The Shrew'.

Anna Maxwell Martin won the best actress award for her role in 'Bleak House', beating her co-star Gillian Anderson and Anne-Marie Duff from Channel 4's 'Shameless'.

Chris Langham won the award for best comedy performance for his role in 'The Thick Of It', beating co-star Peter Capaldi, Ashley Jensen in 'Extras' and Catherine Tate.

There was disappointment, however, for Noel Edmonds, who made his television comeback as the presenter of Channel 4 quiz show 'Deal Or No Deal', who failed to win his first Bafta when he was beaten by Jonathan Ross in the best entertainment performance category.

(KMcA)