The Royal Television Society (RTS) North West has announced the nominations for its 2026 Awards.
This year, nominations include Brassic, G’wed, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road, Unforgivable, Tip Toe and Small Prophets.
Leading acting talent recognised includes Sir Michael Palin, nominated for Best Performance in a Comedy for Small Prophets; Anna Friel and Bobby Schofield for Unforgivable; David Morrissey for Tip Toe; Josh Finan for Waiting for the Out; and Sue Johnston for Big Winners.
Emerging talent is also represented, with Austin Haynes (Unforgivable), Evie Ward-Drummond (G’wed), Jackson Connor (Tip Toe) and Lauren Patel (Small Prophets) shortlisted for the Caroline Aherne Award for Best Breakthrough Talent. Patel also receives a second nomination for Best Performance in a Comedy.
Some of the North West’s most celebrated writing talent is also represented, with Jimmy McGovern nominated for Unforgivable, Russell T Davies for Tip Toe, Mackenzie Crook for Small Prophets, Lee Thompson for Special Measures and Martha Watson Allpress for Big Winners.
For the first time this year, visual podcasts have been eligible for recognition within the Best Digital Content category. Nominees in the category include I’d Do Anything for Hollyoaks, Solve The Story, Stick to Football and Truth or Dare.
Cameron Roach, Chair of RTS North West, said: “The strength and breadth of this year’s nominations is a brilliant reflection of the television being made across the North West and the extraordinary talent behind it. From some of the UK’s most established names to the next generation of breakthrough talent, these Awards are about celebrating the people and productions that make this region such an important part of our television industry.
“We’re particularly pleased to recognise visual podcasts for the first time this year, reflecting how quickly our industry continues to evolve and the exciting new forms of content being created here.”
Pam Cavannagh, Chair of Judges for the RTS North West Awards, added: “The quality of entries this year made judging no easy task. What really stood out was the range of work being produced across the region, from powerful drama and current affairs to comedy, children’s programming, digital content and exceptional craft.
“Congratulations to everyone nominated. Reaching the shortlist is a fantastic achievement and testament to the creativity and talent working across the North West.”
The winners will be announced at the RTS North West Awards 2026 on Friday 20 November at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, bringing together more than 600 figures from across the television industry to celebrate production and creative talent from across the region.
The full list of nominations can be viewed here:
https://rts.org.uk/award/rts-north-west-awards-2026
Jon Creamer
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