South Bank nominations announced

The nominees for the 12th annual South Bank Show Awards have been announced. The ceremony, organised by the long-running ITV culture-focused show which is hosted by Melvyn Bragg, is the only one in the world to honour artists and performers from across the arts, with the 33 nominees spanning film, TV, music, theatre, literature, opera, dance and the visual arts.

Fighting it out for the comedy award is Simon Pegg's film Hot Fuzz, Alan Carr for his stand-up show Tooth Fairy, and BBC3 sitcom Gavin and Stacy. Last year, the prize was won by Borat: Cultural Learnings of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.

Two of these contenders have already won prizes this year. At Wednesday's British Comedy Awards, Carr was named Best Live Stand Up, whilst Gavin and Stacey won three prizes, 'Best new British television comedy (scripted)', 'Best male comedy newcomer' and 'Best female comedy newcomer'. Hot Fuzz lost out to The Simpsons Movie for 'Best comedy film'.

For those interested, the full list of nominees in all the categories can be found on the ITV website. The winners are to be be announced at a ceremony on the 29th January, and broadcast on the 3rd February.