Held for the sixth year, the awards are voted for by the public and are widely seen as a reflection of the country's TV tastes.

John Thaw died of cancer in February 2002

Actor John Thaw, who died in February this year, is nominated as most popular actor and is favourite for the award.

And veteran star David Jason has two nominations as most popular comedy performer and most popular actor.

Two shows in which he stars, A Touch of Frost and Only Fools and Horses, are competing in the most popular drama and most popular comedy categories.

Reality TV programmes Big Brother and Pop Idol have also been nominated - but avoid a head to head confrontation.

Jessie Wallace is nominated in the most popular actress category

Channel 4's Big Brother is in the running for most popular factual programme, while ITV's talent show is battling in the most popular entertainment programme category.

In the coveted most popular newcomer section there is a battle of the soaps as EastEnders' Kim Medcalf takes on Coronation Street's Brian Capron, The Bill's Diane Parish, and Emmerdale's Emily Symons and Sammy Winward.

And competition is expected to be fierce for best entertainment presenter, with Graham Norton, Davina McCall, Ant and Dec and lily Savage up for the award.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall, London, to be broadcast on ITV1 on Tuesday.