JIMMY McGOVERN’S hard- hitting drama series, The Street, has won a clutch of high-profile television awards – right on its own doorstep.
The Street swept the boards at the Royal Television Society’s North West Awards 2009 at the weekend, held in Manchester and hosted by Liverpool comedian John Bishop.
Awards went to Esther Wilson, who picked up the Best Newcomer award for her writing on The Street, and actress Anna Friel was also honoured for her performance in the show – with her award picked up by her parents. Unprotected and Ten Tiny Toes playwright Wilson wrote the season three episode starring Friel, about a wounded and disfigured soldier returning from Iraq.
She said: "I was so fortunate that the first thing I was employed to write for television was a high- quality, after the watershed dingle drama with Jimmy McGovern.
"I’m a very lucky woman."
McGovern collected the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Craft from actress Suranne Jones; and then he was back on stage with the rest of The Street production team to receive the Judges’ Award, presented to him by Paul Abbott in front of a standing ovation.
Sita Williams, one of the producers of The Street, told the Daily Post: "It’s so wonderful because we’re based up here, we’ve got a lot of loyalty to the region, and to get that kind of award from your peers is a huge honour.
"The Judges’ Award is very special as it is a tribute to the show and every single member of the production team, from the not unimportant people who drive the cast around to the director."
Ms Williams said all involved hope there will be more episodes of The Street in future.
Helen Bullough, chair of Royal Television Society NW, said: "The North West continues to shine out as a creative beacon across the industry from outstanding regional coverage and factual series, to innovative comedy, entertainment, and of course drama.
"All of that is down to the talent here, both on and off screen. This year more than any, the NW creative community has every right to be exceptionally proud of its dedication and hard work".
