Doctor Who pair in TV awards battle

12:42am Monday 13th October 2008

David Tennant is set to go head-to-head with his Doctor Who sidekick Catherine Tate at this year's National Television Awards.

Both stars have been nominated for Outstanding Drama Performance for their roles as the Timelord and his assistant Donna Noble in the hit BBC sci-fi drama.

This year will be the first time male and female stars have been pitted against each other in the acting category.

Outstanding Drama Performance is a new category, replacing the awards for Most Popular Actor and Most Popular Actress.

Tennant, who has not yet decided whether to return in a fifth series of Doctor Who, has previously won two National Television Awards (NTAs).

Tate, 40, and Tennant, 37, will also compete against Ashes to Ashes star Philip Glenister, 45, and Alex Walkinshaw, 34, for his role as Sgt Dale Smith in The Bill.

The awards, hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald, pit Strictly Come Dancing, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent and Dancing on Ice against each other in the contest for Most Popular Talent Show.

Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, The Apprentice, Top Gear and This Morning are up against each other for Most Popular Factual Programme.

Jeremy Clarkson and his team have won the trophy for the last two years.

Ant and Dec are heading for their eighth entertainment presenter award, but face competition from Alan Carr, Justin Lee Collins and Paul O'Grady.

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