THE actor set to play the new Doctor Who is up for a major television award on Sunday - for his role as Jesus.

Christopher Eccleston is nominated for Best Actor in the British Academy of Film and Television Awards for his lead role in the controversial ITV1 drama, The Second Coming.

He is up against Jim Broadbent from BBC1's The Young Visiters, as well as David Morrissey and Bill Nighy, both from BBC1's State Of Play.

But the Little Hulton actor, who is to play Doctor Who in a forthcoming series for the BBC, is hotly tipped to walk away with the prestigious BAFTA accolade.

The acclaimed star played Jesus returning to earth as a Manchester City supporter in the two-part series. His character announced he was the Son of God and set about convincing a disbelieving world by performing a miracle - turning night into day at Manchester City's former Maine Road stadium.

Eccleston is one of Britain's most respected actors and he has appeared in a string of top television dramas including Jimmy McGovern's Cracker. He has also starred in top movies such as Shallow Grave and The Others.

The Second Coming, written by Russell T Davies and made by Manchester firm Red Production Company, is also up for best Drama Serial, as are Granada Television's Prime Suspect, BBC1's Charles II: The Power and the Passion, and State of Play.

In other categories, Bolton's Peter Kay missed out on a nomination for Phoenix Nights. But his "rival" Ricky Gervais is up for Best Comedy Performance for his role in The Office Christmas Special. Co-star Martin Freeman is also nominated and The Office is nominated for Best Situation Comedy.

BBC1's Clocking Off, filmed in Manchester by Red Production Company, is up for Best Drama Series. Ever-popular Coronation Street is nominated for Best Continuing Drama against The Bill, Casualty and Holby City.