Stars of small screen set for honours at TV BAFTAs ceremony

Benedict Cumberbatch is expected to win a TV Bafta award for his role as Sherlock. Credit: Dominic Lipinski / PA Wire/PA Images

Stars of the small screen will take centre stage tonight when the TV BAFTAs are held at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London.

Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the favourites to be honoured for his portrayal of the master detective at Sunday's ceremony.

Cumberbatch, who was beaten to the best actor Oscar by Eddie Redmayne, is nominated for the leading actor award.

He is up against Toby Jones for Marvellous, James Nesbitt for The Missing, and Jason Watkins for The Lost Honour Of Christopher Jefferies.

It is Cumberbatch's third nomination for his performance in the hit show.

BBC dramas dominate the nominations with Happy Valley, Marvellous, The Missing and Line Of Duty leading the way.

ITV's Saturday Night Takeaway is up for best entertainment programme and the show's hosts Ant and Dec are nominated for best entertainment performance.

ITV News at Ten's coverage of the Iraq crisis is also nominated in the news category.

Sheridan Smith could pick up a TV Bafta for her portrayal of singer Cilla Black. Credit: an West / PA Wire/PA Images

Other winners could include Sheridan Smith, who is recognised for her portrayal of Cilla Black in the ITV biopic.

She is shortlisted for the leading actress award with Line Of Duty star Keeley Hawes, Sarah Lancashire for Happy Valley, and Georgina Campbell from Murdered By My Boyfriend.

The international shows nominated are Netflix's Orange Is The New Black and House Of Cards, along with The Good Wife and True Detective.