Noel's Bafta Surprise

Noel EdmondsFirst he shocked us with his return to telly in the ratings-smashing quiz show, Deal And No Deal.

Now Noel Edmonds has made us splutter into our tea once again.

He's only gone and landed a Bafta nomination... something he never did in his House Party heyday.

Noel will go up against Jeremy Clarkson, Jonathan Ross and Jack Dee for the best entertainment performance Bafta.

"I am astonished and excited in equal measure," said the presenter. "This Bafta nomination, regardless of the outcome in May, is the highlight of my broadcasting career."

Deal Or No Deal has become one of Channel 4's biggest success stories, with an audience of five million.

Strictly Come DancingNoel, who was sent into telly limbo in 1999 when Noel's House Party was axed, has just signed a £3m deal to keep presenting the show.

And to cap it off, Channel 4 is extending the show's late afternoon Monday to Friday run to Saturdays, putting Noel back in the prime time evening slot he once ruled with Mr Blobby.

Deal done, as far as Noel's comeback is concerned.

Best Entertainment Programme will be a contest between Strictly Come Dancing, The X Factor, Have I Got News For You and Friday Night With Jonathan Ross.

Coronation Street and EastEnders will go head-to-head for best continuing drama - but there's no place for Emmerdale. Instead, the two soaps are up against Casualty and Holby City.

Other nominees include Extras (two nods) and Jamie's School Dinners. The BBC's Bleak House leads the field with four nominations.

Davina McCall will host the ceremony from London's Grosvenor House Hotel on May 7.