BBC Celebrate RTS Drama Wins

Better late than never, a day after everyone else the beeb release their celebratory statement on the RTS award wins.

“BBC Drama cemented its reputation for quality and creativity as it won seven awards at last night’s Royal Television Society Awards.” – BBC

The Royal Television Society, Britain’s leading forum for television and related media, announced the winners for the RTS Programme Awards 2012 on Tuesday evening, with BBC Drama winning seven coveted awards, making it the most successful night for BBC Drama in three years.

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama, (pictured above) said: “The success is a testament to the work of the extraordinary creative talent in this country, as well as showing that the BBC’s public funding really does give us the freedom to deliver the highest quality and widest range of drama in the country.”

Olivia Colman and Sean Bean won best actor and actress for Jimmy McGovern’s BBC One drama, Accused II, whilst BBC Drama Productions’ Good Cop, starring Warren Brown, won best Drama Serial.

Sherlock picked up two awards for best Drama Series and best Writer for Steven Moffat. The Hollow Crown: Richard II starring Ben Whishaw won best Single Drama, whilst Room On The Broom completed the seven awards for best Children’s Programme.

The ceremony held at Grosvenor House was hosted by award-winning comedian, writer and actress Jo Brand.

Held annually, the RTS Programme Awards aim to recognise the work of exceptional actors, presenters, writers and production teams, as well as celebrating the programmes themselves.

“Thankfully EastEnders, which aims at the lowest form of intellect, didn’t rob Coronation Street from its well deserved gong,” said telly critic Queenie, adding “Public funding clearly doesn’t equate to quality with that production does it? Although I’m sure if it was placed in the children’s category it would stand a chance.”

[Reported by Neil Lang]