ITV’s gong show, celebrating the best in British broadcasting, is shaping up to be the most fiercely-contested TV battle to date the broadcaster states as the eighteeth year of awards sees big screen rivals battle it out for an NTA.

“Actors, presenters and judges; the talent of the small screen, will all join NTA host Dermot O’Leary for a star-studded ceremony, at London’s 02 Arena on 23rd January and broadcast live on ITV1.” ITV state.

Was it Her Majesty the Queen skydiving into the Olympic Stadium James Bond style, Mo Farah winning the 5,000 and 10,000m or Ellie Simmonds’ triple swimming triumph that made you weep and cheer? This summer saw record TV audiences captivated by Olympic and Paralympic events. To pay homage to the UK’s greatest Olympic teams in over 100 years, the National Television Awards will be presenting a Landmark Award to key members of London 2012. NTA organisers are calling for the public’s help in compiling a special video tribute to accompany the Award presentation on the night.

Viewers are being invited to visit www.nationaltvawards.com/landmark and submit the London 2012 moment that shone most brightly for them. The best of the bunch will be hand-picked to form the special film played on the Awards night.

“The nation has gone dog crazy since ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winners Pudsey and Ashleigh appeared on our screens, and this year’s National Television Awards are no exception. As well as a nomination for Britain’s Got Talent, Paul O’Grady receives a nod in the Factual Entertainment category for his show Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs but will he fend off competition from Anne Robinson for Watchdog and hugely popular first-time nominee The Great British Bake Off?” ITV asks.

Chat show favourites The Graham Norton Show, The Jonathan Ross Show and Piers Morgan’s Life Stories are all going head to head in the Entertainment Programme category. But will the make-ups and break-ups of The Only Way Is Essex or tension of The Million Pound Drop Live come out on top?

Perhaps the most contentious battle lies between The X Factor, Strictly Come Dancing and new show on the block The Voice. All are in the running to scoop the coveted Talent Show gong alongside Britain’s Got Talent, Dancing on Ice, Got To Dance and Let’s Dance for Sport Relief.

This year’s Drama category has some definite heavyweights in the running – but will it be a period drama that reigns supreme? The Edwardian era has proved popular once again this year, with new BBC drama Parade’s End up for nomination alongside the renowned Downton Abbey. Other nominees include the ever popular detective dramas Scott & Bailey and Lewis, both strong contenders to pick up the silverware.

“And… will Ant & Dec manage to maintain their winning streak for a twelfth year on the trot by scooping the Entertainment Presenter award? Or will 2013 be the year that finally sees their crown stolen by another fine presenting talent like funny man Alan Carr, the risqué Keith Lemon or captain of the NTA ship himself, Dermot O’Leary?” ITV concludes.