Rising star laughs all the way to the Baftas

JAMES Corden, one of Britain's fastest-rising comic talents, claimed a double victory at this year's Bafta television awards for hit series Gavin and Stacey.

The actor and comedian, who co-wrote the BBC3 hit programme, won Best Comedy Performance and the Sky+ Audience Award at last night's British Academy of Film and Television Arts award ceremony.

It is another accolade for the 29-year-old, who first came to attention in the West End production of Alan Bennett's The History Boys. His big break in television came in 2000, when he landed a regular role in the ITV1 series Fat Friends.

Comedian Harry Hill also picked up two Bafta masks for his highlights clip-show Harry Hill's TV Burp, in the Entertainment Programme and Entertainment Performance categories.

Andrew Garfield took the Best Actor award for his portrayal of a juvenile child-killer haunted by his past in Boy A.

Among 13 first-time winners were the hospital saga Holby City, which won the hard-fought Continuing Drama battle; Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares in the Features category; and Channel 4's Fonejacker , which won the Comedy Programme award.

But despite being hotly tipped to dominate this year's ceremony, the BBC drama Cranford had a disappointing night, winning only one award. The lavish costume series, starring the veteran actress Dame Judi Dench, had been nominated for four Baftas.

But at the age of 73, Dame Judi's co-star, Dame Eileen Atkins, lifted her first award in the prestigious Best Actress category.

Corden, reported to be dating singer Lily Allen, was open-mouthed when it was announced that he had won the Comedy Performance title.

The stunned actor punched the air as he walked on stage and said: "That's ridiculous."

Trying to think of an acceptance speech, he said: "I should say words out loud in front of a big group of people."

He thanked his "mum, dad and two sisters, who will be watching, probably crying right now". He added: "They're the most important people to thank right now".

Corden also heaped praise on co-creator Ruth Jones, telling the audience: "She's not just the greatest writer and actress. She's the best friend anyone could hope for. She's as much Smithy (Corden's character] as I am and I share this with her. It's not funny, but it's true."

On winning the Audience Award, Corden then lashed out at not being in the running for best Situation Comedy, saying: "Just out of interest, how can the Best Comedy Performance and Programme of the Year not be eligible for best sitcom?"

Dame Eileen said after picking up her Best Actress award: "I bet they wished they hadn't killed me off now. I don't do humility very well, but I have to share this with the ladies of Cranford, all those terrific women. I haven't laughed so much for years.

"But the mistress of merriment and mischief was Judi Dench. I can't think of anything horrible to say about her. I wish I could."

Bruce Forsyth received the highest accolade the academy can bestow, its Fellowship.

The ultimate showman, who turned 90 earlier this year, was presented with his award by the comedian Paul Merton.

Other award presenters included EastEnders stars Patsy Palmer and Sid Owen, Rob Brydon, Joanna Page, Kirsty Young, Heston Blumenthal, Alesha Dixon, Life on Mars star John Simm, John Hurt, Tamzin Outhwaite, Skins star Nicholas Hoult, Ashes to Ashes star Keeley Hawes, and presenters Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp.