The Royal Television Society (RTS) has unveiled its list of nominees for the 2025 North West Awards, with numerous television shows filmed in the Liverpool City Region or supported by the Liverpool Film Office receiving significant recognition. Productions linked to the region have secured over 20 nominations across a wide range of categories, highlighting Liverpool's growing importance as a major hub for the UK's film and television industry.
The nominations celebrate excellence in drama, comedy, factual programming, and on-screen talent. Several high-profile series, including 'TCIO' and 'Missing You', are contenders in multiple prestigious categories, underscoring the quality of content being produced in and around the city.
Key Takeaways
- Productions supported by the Liverpool Film Office and filmed in the Liverpool City Region (LCR) earned over 20 nominations for the RTS North West Awards 2025.
- Drama series 'TCIO' received five nominations, including Best Drama and two for actor James Nelson Joyce.
- Other multi-nominated shows include 'Missing You' (4 nominations), 'Stolen Girl' (3 nominations), and 'GWED 2' (2 nominations).
- The nominations span various genres, from drama and comedy to factual series and single documentaries, showcasing the versatility of productions made in the region.
Liverpool Film Office Supported Productions Lead the Way
Two key productions directly funded and supported by the Liverpool Film Office have been prominently featured in the nominations list. These shows demonstrate the success of local investment in nurturing creative projects.
TCIO Earns Five Nominations
The drama series 'TCIO' has emerged as a major contender with five nominations. The show is recognized in the highly competitive Best Drama category. Its success is further highlighted by individual acknowledgements for its cast and crew.
Actor James Nelson Joyce received two separate nominations: one for Best Performance in a Drama and another for The Caroline Aherne Award for Best Breakthrough Talent. Stephen Butchard is nominated for Best Script Writer, and the series also received a nod for Best Audio Post Production.
Comedy Success with GWED 2
In the comedy categories, 'GWED 2' secured two important nominations. The show is shortlisted for Best Comedy Programme, placing it among the top comedic productions in the North West. Additionally, Gemma Barraclough's work on the show has earned her a nomination for Best Performance in a Comedy.
A Hub for Production
The Liverpool City Region has become one of the most filmed-in locations in the UK outside of London. The Liverpool Film Office provides comprehensive support, from funding to location scouting, attracting major national and international productions.
Region's Locations Feature in Nominated Shows
Beyond directly funded projects, a wide array of productions that used the Liverpool City Region as their filming backdrop have also been nominated. This showcases the region's appeal for its diverse and iconic locations.
Strong Contenders in Drama and Factual TV
The compelling crime drama 'Missing You' is another standout, collecting four nominations. It is up for Best Drama and features Rosalind Eleazar, who is nominated for Best Performance in a Drama. The show also received nominations for Best Script Writer (Victoria Asare-Archer) and Best Visual Post Production.
Another drama, 'Stolen Girl', is also in the running for Best Drama. Its lead actors, Ambika Mod and Holliday Grainger, both received nominations for Best Performance in a Drama, a testament to the powerful acting in the series.
Long-running drama 'Hollyoaks', which is filmed in Liverpool, continues its successful run with two nominations. The show is recognized for Best Digital Creativity, and actors Ashley Taylor Dawson and Isabelle Smith are both nominated for Best Performance in a Continuing Drama.
In the factual genre, 'Merseyside Detectives' earned nominations for Best Factual Series and Best Audio Post Production, highlighting the quality of documentary filmmaking in the region.
What are the RTS North West Awards?
The Royal Television Society is an educational charity dedicated to promoting the art and science of television. The regional awards, including the North West ceremony, celebrate the best creative and production talent across the UK, recognizing excellence in programming from production companies based in the region.
Documentaries and Entertainment Programmes Recognized
The nominations also extend to single documentaries and large-scale entertainment shows that have utilized the Liverpool area. This demonstrates the breadth of production types that the city can accommodate.
Spotlight on Local Stories
Two single documentaries with strong local connections are nominated. 'Goodbye To Goodison', a film chronicling the final chapter of Everton FC's historic stadium, is nominated for Best Single Documentary. This category also features 'Paddy: The Ride of My Life', a documentary following the journey of a local personality.
Major Entertainment Shows
The popular national programme 'The Voice UK Series 13', which often holds auditions and films segments in the North West, received a nomination for Best Entertainment Programme. Its inclusion highlights the region's capacity to host large-scale, high-profile television formats.
Full List of Liverpool-Linked Nominations
The extensive list of nominations underscores a successful year for television production in the Liverpool City Region. The variety of recognized shows reflects a thriving creative ecosystem.
- TCIO: Best Audio Post Production, The Caroline Aherne Award for Best Breakthrough Talent (James Nelson Joyce), Best Drama, Best Performance in a Drama (James Nelson Joyce), Best Script Writer (Stephen Butchard).
- GWED 2: Best Comedy Programme, Best Performance in a Comedy (Gemma Barraclough).
- Merseyside Detectives: Best Audio Post Production, Best Factual Series.
- Hollyoaks: Best Digital Creativity, Best Performance in a Continuing Drama (Ashley Taylor Dawson & Isabelle Smith).
- Goodbye To Goodison: Best Single Documentary.
- Stolen Girl: Best Drama, Best Performance in a Drama (Ambika Mod & Holliday Grainger).
- Missing You: Best Drama, Best Performance in a Drama (Rosalind Eleazar), Best Script Writer (Victoria Asare-Archer), Best Visual Post Production.
- The Voice UK Series 13: Best Entertainment Programme.
- Paddy: The Ride of My Life: Best Single Documentary.
The winners of the RTS North West Awards will be announced at a future ceremony. The full shortlist of nominations can be viewed on the Royal Television Society's official website.