TV Times Awards Favourite Actor Nominees
Martin Clunes
Well, they say that good things come to those who wait... Martin Clunes may like to keep his fans on tenterhooks - it takes him two years to produce each new series of Doc Martin - but it's worth it when we get there. Series five of the phenomenally popular, Cornwall-based show has given hapless Dr Ellingham even more scope for cock-ups and grouchiness with a little bouncing baby doc. But as always with this drama, adversity only seems to make the grumpy medic more likeable.
Brendan Coyle
Amidst all the hyperventilating plot twists and melodrama, Brendan Coyle is the solid rock at the heart of the TV whirlwind that is Downton Abbey. As butler John Bates, he's the calm, stoical, wise one - though it only takes a raised eyebrow to remind us that there's plenty of drama swelling beneath those studied temples.
Kevin Whately
Oxford continues to be an unlikely haven for inventive deaths and elusive killers. Luckily we have Kevin Whately to clear up the mess for us in Lewis. His thoughtful Inspector Lewis continues to surprise and delight. The series is currently back among the Dreaming Spires to film three new episodes: Generation of Vipers, The Age of Foolishness and Death of the Author. Next year also sees some sleuthy competition in the form of Endeavour, ITV's Oxford-based prequel to Inspector Morse. But we suspect that Kevin will be OK.
Stephen Tompkinson
It's been another hectic year for Mr Tompkinson. First there was a new series of his ever-popular African vet show Wild at Heart - where, towards the end, all looked lost for Leopards' Den. But breathe easily, he's back in South Africa filming a seventh series as we speak. Meanwhile, Stephen took time out to return to West Yorkshire for a full series of DCI Banks, his new detective character on ITV. He's also in the market for more balloon adventures. Where to next? "America, Asia or Antarctica," he says.
Neil Dudgeon
Neil had a tough job following John Nettles as the new Barnaby in Midsomer Murders. But anyone who watched Neil's debut will know that Midsomer is in safe hands: he has just the right combination of world-weary humour and believable seriousness to make the role his own.
Jason Isaacs
Given how in-demand Jason Isaacs has become in Hollywood, most recently doing his evil turn as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies, it's little short of amazing that he would stop by for Case Histories, a crime drama on BBC1. But being a fan of Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie detective novels - "rich on character, light on plot," he says - he decided to make time for a six-part adaptation. Good news for us, because he was excellent in this Sunday night thriller.
