'Outnumbered' in the lead for Comedy gong.

Summary: The "groundbreaking" family comedy Outnumbered is leading the way at this year's British Comedy Awards, bagging five nominations.

The "groundbreaking" family comedy Outnumbered is leading the way at this year's British Comedy Awards, grabbing five nominations.

The programme, which critics have singled out for its partly-improvised style and believable performances, has earned newcomer nominations for all three of the show's child actors.

Claire Skinner, who plays the Outnumbered's middle-class mother Sue Brockman, is up for best comedy actress. The show also features in the best sitcom category, and is up against Channel 4's Peep Show, starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb, and The IT Crowd.

Webb is in the running for best comedy actor and he's got a further chance to bag an award for That Mitchell and Webb Look, which is nominated for best sketch show.

Michael McIntyre and Alan Carr will go head to head alongside Harry Hill in both the best comedy entertainment personality and entertainment programme categories.

Hill's TV Burp scooped the best comedy entertainment gong last year, while Carr won the entertainment personality award. McIntyre is nominated for best live stand-up this year, while Alan Carr: Chatty Man is also up for best new British TV comedy.

This year's ceremony will be fronted by regular host Jonathan Ross, who pulled out last year in the wake of the "Sachsgate" scandal.

The awards ceremony is celebrating its 20th year and will air on ITV1 and ITV2 on Saturday, December 12.

Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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