One of the most important nights in the television calendar, the 2016 Bafta Television Awards, will take place this Sunday (8 May). Though red carpet arrivals begin at 5pm and the ceremony itself commences at 7pm, it will not be aired on BBC1 until 8pm. So eschewing social media may come in handy if you dont want to sulk about knowing the winners too soon.
The main attractions of the night include Wolf Hall, the period drama series that has swept the event with four nominations, and Lenny Henry, who is to be awarded the Alan Clarke accolade for his outstanding contribution to television. Legendary scriptwriters Ray Galton and Alan Simpson will also receive the prestigious Bafta Fellowship.
The awards will be hosted by Graham Norton. American singer Elle King will kick off the night with her big hit Exs and Ohs, and alternative singer Birdy will feature later on in the ceremony.
Predictions are a tough call to make this year, but we know that Coronation Street is hoping to snap up the Soap and Continuing Drama gong as its substantial storylines over the past few months have captured the nations imagination.
This spring has seen Jason Grimshaw in a dark place as he struggles to cope with the loss of his father Tony Stewart, taking it out on everybody around him, while Callum Logans reign of terror had soap fanatics hanging on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, EastEnders is undoubtedly a strong contender as Phil Mitchell has deteriorated on screen from his alcoholism and Danny Dyer has made an impact as Mick Carter.
Though Oscar-winner Mark Rylance should probably win Best Actor for his sensational performance in Wolf Hall as Thomas Cromwell, there was such a buzz surrounding crime thriller Luther that its quite possible Idris Elba might beat him to the mark.
Meanwhile, national acting treasure Sheridan Smith could bag Best Actress for her moving performance in the C-Word, the feature-length adaptation of late journalist Lisa Lynchs cancer blogs, but our moneys on the wonderfully compelling Suranne Jones as the betrayed wife in Doctor Foster, one of the most popular television series last year. In terms of the Drama Series award, its fair to say that Wolf Hall will pick it up thanks to its sky-high ratings and impressive cast, but Humans will make a great runner-up.
