DOWNTON ABBEY Among Nominees for Britain's National Television Awards

Britain's National Television Awards has revealed its short list of 2013 nominees. Unlike other award ceremonies, the winners will be decided by a vote by the public.

This year's drama nominations include serial favorite Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, Merlin and Sherlock. Among the sitcoms nominated are 'The Big Bang Theory', Absolutely Fabulous, Mrs. Brown's Boys and Benidorm.

Competing in the talent show category will be 'The Voice' Dancing on Ice' and 'The X Factor.'

Among nominees for actor in a drama are Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch, Doctor Who star Matt Smith, Merlin's Colin Morgan and Daniel Mays for Mrs Biggs. Female nominees include Doctor Who's Karen Gillan, Sheridan Smith (Mrs Biggs), Miranda Hart for Call The Midwife and SurAnne Jones of ITV's Scott & Bailey.

In the 'reality and factual entertainment TV' competition, The Apprentice will compete with Top Gear, The Great British Bake-Off and Paul O'Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.

The best entertainment category nominees are The Graham Norton Show, ITV's I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! and The Only Way Is Essex, and Channel 4's Alan Carr: Chatty Man.

The National Television Awards is LIVE on ITV1 on January 23rd.