KEY POINTS:
LONDON - Ricky Gervais is up against long-time collaborator Stephen Merchant in a battle for one of the top television awards this year, organisers said today.
The creators and co-stars of the sitcom Extras are nominated for a Bafta best comedy performance award.
They face competition from Dawn French in The Vicar of Dibley and Liz Smith, who plays Nana in The Royle Family.
Extras follows the ups and downs of struggling "background artiste" and minor TV star Andy Millman, played by Gervais, and his hapless agent Darren Lamb (Merchant).
Robert De Niro, David Bowie and Coldplay's Chris Martin were among the stars who sent themselves up in the second series.
The show missed out on a nomination for the best comedy programme.
The winners will be announced at the London Palladium on May 20.
- REUTERS
