It has been announced that the UK's Royal Television Society (RTS) Programme Awards, which feature a number of Irish actors among the nominees, will now be held behind closed doors in London next week due to coronavirus concerns.
The Press Association reports that a streamlined ceremony will now take place on Tuesday, March 17, with nominees still invited to attend and representatives from the broader television industry able to watch via video link.
RTS Programme Awards 2020, in partnership with @audionetwork, will be held behind closed doors and live streamed for the first time https://t.co/Dj3KhZ7ZDM #RTSAwards pic.twitter.com/Z9zvss6PER
— Royal Television Society (@RTS_media) March 10, 2020
RTS Chief Executive Theresa Wise said: "While adapting as necessary to the current situation, we aim to continue celebrating the past year of television and excellence in our industry in the best way possible - by honouring nominees and winners through a streamlined event.
"We look forward to offering everyone the opportunity to join us via live stream as we host the RTS Programme Awards."
Irish interest in the awards sees Aisling Bea nominated for the Breakthrough Award for her comedy This Way Up and Derry Girls' Saoirse-Monica Jackson up for Best Comedy Performance (Female), with The Young Offenders' Alex Murphy and Chris Walley jointly shortlisted for Best Comedy Performance (Male). Derry Girls has also received a nomination for Best Scripted Comedy.
Congratulations to @WeeMissBea, @tanyamoodie and @TimRenkowcomedy for their Breakthrough award nominations! Read the full list of nominees here: https://t.co/OqLricJXo7 #RTSAwards pic.twitter.com/xfZSAeBXc2
— Royal Television Society (@RTS_media) March 3, 2020
In the Drama categories, Niamh Algar is among the nominees for Best Actor (Female) for her performance in The Virtues.
Huge congratulations to the talented @NiamhAlgar, #SuranneJones and #TamaraLawrance for their Actor – Female nominations! Read the full list of nominees here: https://t.co/OqLricJXo7 #RTSAwards pic.twitter.com/1AtftnFndw
— Royal Television Society (@RTS_media) March 3, 2020
