December 4^th 2007 was the annual British Comedy Awards, held at London Television Centre and hosted, as usual, by Jonathan Ross.

The awards were not televised this year because, back in 2005, the voting lines had remained open after winners had been announced (see British Comedy Guide here).

The TV rights were owned by Michael Hurll Television and the show was filmed regardless of no one being able to watch. There was a contract with ITV who refused to show it, but allegedly shelled out £700k to block the production company from selling it to another broadcaster.

This also meant the phone-in People’s Choice category was missing this year.

The late Mr Hurll, btw, had told Chortle in February 2007 (here) that Jimmy has no on-screen warmth and that this would “stop him being a huge star”.

He went on to say that Jimmy was like Roy Castle in that he has “no sex appeal” and would never fulfil his potential.

Jimmy and Gillian Anderson presented the award for Best New British TV Comedy to James Cordon and Ruth Jones for Gavin and Stacey. There used to be a couple of images of the two presenters, on Shutterstock, long since vanished.

All winners and nominees are listed here.

• Getty image of Jimmy / Karoline and other attendees – here and here. With one of Jimmy posing with an award (here).
• All In London has some b/w shots of more attendees – here.
• And a lot more at Alamy – here.

Looks like it was a windy evening!

Presenting Awards:

• Jimmy Carr with Gillian Anderson
• Bill Bailey
• Stephen Mangan
• J K Rowling
• Lily Allen
• Philip Glenister
• Christopher Biggins
• Peter Fincham (former BBC1 controller)

Other attendees:

• Jane Goldman
• David Mitchell
• Dara O’Briain
• Ed Byrne
• Andy Parsons
• Jack Dee
• Alan Carr
• Lee Mack
• James Cordon
• Ruth Jones
• Sarah Alexander
• Peter Serafinowicz
• Nick Frost
• Robert Webb
• Liz Smith
• Twiggy
• Oliva Coleman
• Faye Dunaway
• Simon Amstell
• Sheridan Smith
• Al Murray
• Fern Britton
• Graham Norton
• Gok Wan
• Keith Allen
• Jennifer Coolidge
• Stephen Fry (accepting award via video link, from the US)

For other British Comedy Awards events – see here.