BAFTA joy for The Office

Actor and writer Ricky Gervais landed two major awards on British television's big night of the year on Sunday for the acclaimed comedy "The Office."

"We would like to thank the BBC for leaving us alone to get on with it. Wise move really," said Gervais after the show about a cringingly embarrassing boss won BAFTAS for Best Comedy Performance and Best Sitcom.

The coveted Best Actor award went to Albert Finney for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in "The Gathering Storm." Finney had already landed an International Emmy for his poignant performance.

Julie Walters was picked as Best Actress for "Murder" which looked at the impact of a child killing on a family.

"Oh BAFTA, you shouldn't have. Well No, you should have," the overjoyed actress said.

Paul Merton fought off former "Have I Got News For You" presenter Angus Deayton to win the Best Entertainment Performance award.

Merton then took a light-hearted dig at his fellow team leader, telling the audience: "Ian Hislop would be the first person to say I really deserved it."
Before all the great and good of Britain's television industry, it was one of the most overwhelming nights for David Jason.

Best known for playing loveable wheeler-dealer Del Boy in the TV hit "Only Fools and Horses", he was awarded a coveted BAFTA Fellowship Award by Ronnie Barker who hailed him as "The Guvnor".

After being given a standing ovation, a tearful Jason replied: "I am very moved and very honoured to be in this position."

In the hotly contested battle of the soaps, the winner this time was "Coronation Street" which fought off tough competition from arch rival "EastEnders".

And reality television's soaring popularity was given an accolade by the BAFTAS.
The Best Entertainment Programme Prize went to "I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here" in which disc jockey Tony Blackburn emerged as the big winner from the popularity contest in the Australian bush.

On the news front, the award for best news coverage went to Sky News for its reports on the killing of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the child murders that shook Britain to the core.