Full Breakdown
All-Female Drama Performance Shortlist Marks First in National Television Awards History
8/19/2026, 8:53:25 AM
Core Event
The National Television Awards (NTAs) have announced an all-female shortlist for the Best Drama Performance category. The five nominees are Sheridan Smith (*I Fought The Law*), Ruth Jones (*Run Away*), Vicky McClure (*Trigger Point*), Ella Bruccoleri (*The Other Bennet Sister*) and Judy Parfitt (*Call the Midwife*). This is the first time the shortlist contains only women.
Background & Context
The NTAs, launched in 1995, are decided by public vote. Since the category opened to all genders in 2014, male actors have won six of eleven times. The 2026 shortlist therefore marks a shift toward female representation.
Key Figures & Groups
- Sheridan Smith – nominated for *I Fought The Law*.
- Ruth Jones – nominated for *Run Away*.
- Vicky McClure – nominated for *Trigger Point*.
- Ella Bruccoleri – nominated for *The Other Bennet Sister*.
- Judy Parfitt – nominated for *Call the Midwife*.
- Joel Dommett – returning host for the sixth consecutive ceremony.
Timeline
- August 18 2026 – Public voting opens.
- September 8 2026 – Voting closes at midday; ceremony at the O2 Arena, London, with winners announced live on ITV1 and ITVX from 20:00 BST.
Data & Statistics
- The NTAs feature 15 categories.
- The Best Drama Performance shortlist comprises five female nominees, the first all-female lineup.
- This is the 31st annual NTAs.
Official Statements & Responses
Organisers confirmed Joel Dommett will host and that voting is online via the official NTAs website, closing at midday on September 8. The press release described the all-female shortlist as a “step in the right direction” for gender balance.
Other Notable Nominations
- New Drama: *Heated Rivalry* joins *A Woman of Substance*, *Believe Me*, *I Fought The Law* and *The Other Bennet Sister*.
- Reality Competition: *I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!*, its South African spin-off, *Race Across The World*, *The Celebrity Traitors* and *The Traitors*.
- Reality Docuseries: *At Home With The Furys*, *Clarkson’s Farm*, *Fletchers’ Family Farm*, *Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing* and *Stacey & Joe*.
- TV Presenter: Nominees include Ant & Dec, Alison Hammond, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon.
What’s Next
Voting runs until midday on September 8 2026, after which winners are revealed during the live ceremony at the O2 Arena. Votes can be cast online up to the deadline.
