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National Television Awards betting - Dr Who v Sherlock Holmes

The shortlists for the National Television Awards have been announced today and this year’s ceremony will see Doctor Who’s Matt Smith go head-to-head with Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch for the outstanding drama performance gong.

Both actors were thrust into the limelight last year and both have enjoyed critical success but Sky Bet make Smith their 2/5 favourite to triumph on January 26, with Cumberbatch 100/30 second favourite. Five time NTA winner David Jason is also nominated and is a 6/1 chance, while Ashes to Ashes star Philip Glenister is 14/1 outsider.

Sky Bet’s Helen Jacob said; “Doctor Who has claimed the best drama actor gong for the last five years, with David Tennant winning the last four and Christopher Ecclestone taking home the award in 2005. Matt Smith is therefore our hot favourite to emulate his fellow doctors’ success but he faces stiff competition from Benedict Cumberbatch, who has won rave reviews for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.”

The ceremony will take place on January 26 at the O2 Arena and will be hosted by X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary, who has been nominated himself as best entertainment presenter. However, O’Leary is rated a 10/1 shot behind perennial favourites Ant and Dec. The Britain’s Got Talent presenters are aiming for a record-breaking 10th consecutive win and are Sky Bet’s short priced favourites at 1/7.

Coronation Street, which has been celebrating its 50th anniversary, is up for best serial drama, against EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Sky Bet make Coronation Street 11/8 to see off EastEnders (8/13), which has won this category four times in the last five years.

To view these markets, see.....http://www.skybet.com/betting/tv-and-film-specials/national-tv-awards/t10003283.html