More than 700 subpostmasters were prosecuted by the Post Office and given criminal convictions between 1999 and 2015, as Fujitsu’s faulty Horizon IT system made it appear as though money was missing at their branches. The TV drama, which shone a light on the issue, has been nominated in the new drama category, but it will face tough competition from Netflix hit Baby Reindeer, romantic drama One Day and thrillers Fool Me Once and Red Eye. Actor Toby Jones has received a nod in the drama performance category for his role as former subpostmaster Sir Alan Bates, one of more than 550 claimants who have brought legal action against the Post Office.
Actress Jessica Gunning has also been nominated for the gong for her role as Martha Scott in dark comedy thriller Baby Reindee, in which her character stalks comedian Donny Dunn after he offers her a free cup of tea in the pub where he works. The drama, inspired by the real-life experiences of the show’s creator, comedian Richard Gadd hit the headlines after Fiona Harvey, who came forward claiming to be the inspiration behind Martha, took legal action against Netflix, alleging the story is inaccurate. Gadd previously asked viewers not to speculate over the people who inspired the series.
Fool Me Once star Michelle Keegan is among those shortlisted for the prize for her role as Maya Stern, and Brenda Blethyn for her starring role in Vera, and Vicky McClure’s role as Lana Washington in crime thriller Trigger Point. The returning dram.