Sherlock homes in on a Bafta haul as crime dramas get nod

The haul of nods for ITV1’s Appropriate Adult includes best actor for Dominic West, who played the murderer, and best actress for Emily Watson, as well as best supporting actress and best mini series.

BBC1 hit Sherlock and Channel 4’s gritty This Is England ’88 have three nominations apiece for the Arqiva British Academy Television Awards, which take place on May 27.

The nominations for Sherlock throw up a battle against good and evil with both Watson (Martin Freeman) and Moriarty (Andrew Scott) battling for best supporting actor.

Other best actor nominees are Benedict Cumberbatch for Sherlock, John Simm (Exile) and Joseph Gilgun (This Is England ’88).

Last year’s best actress, Vicky McClure, is nominated once more for her continuing portrayal of Lol in the This Is England dramas. She faces Romola Garai for The Crimson Petal And The White, Nadine Marshall for Random and Watson for Appropriate Adult.

Screen veteran Dame Maggie Smith is up for the supporting actress title for Downton Abbey, alongside Anna Chancellor (The Hour), Monica Dolan (Appropriate Adult) and Miranda Hart (Call The Midwife).