BBC Birmingham Steal Show At Royal Television Society With Seven Awards

BBC Birmingham took top honours in seven categories at the Royal Television Society (Midlands) Awards ceremony on Sunday, 15 October, hosted by TV presenter Ben Shephard.
The prestigious event, staged at Birmingham's Hyatt Regency Hotel, saw BBC Birmingham scooping seven wins, including: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Specialist Factual Programme and Best Popular Factual Programme.
It was a double celebration for BBC TWO's Coast, as the programme picked up the top honours in Best Specialist Factual Programme and Best Creative Innovation categories.
Best Popular Factual Programme went to Gardeners' World for the special, A History of the Walled Garden.
'The Afternoon Plays' picked up both the Best Actor for Roy Dotrice in Are You Jim's Wife and Best Actress for Jodie Whittaker in The Last Will and Testament of Billy Two Sheds.
BBC Birmingham's Drama Village was also celebrating another success as Martha Howe-Douglas, from BBC ONE's 'Doctors', scooped the Best New Talent award for her role in the daytime drama.
Regional successes included 'Inside Out' (West Midlands) picking up the accolade for Best Regional Programme; and BBC Midlands Today anchor, Nick Owen, was awarded the prestigious Baird Medal to honour his outstanding contribution to television.
It was a double surprise for Nick on the night, as he was presented with the honour by his former co-presenter, Anne Diamond, who made a special appearance on the night.
Andy Griffee, Controller, BBC English Regions and Head of Centre, commented: "I'm absolutely delighted that BBC Birmingham has claimed seven awards at this prestigious ceremony.
"Once again, BBC Birmingham has performed brilliantly over the past year, producing great content across network and regional programming."
(DS)