London, February 20^th 2013: At the RTS Programme Awards 2012 in London last night, Sky Atlantic HD comedy drama GIRLS was named Best International Programme, whilst ALAN PARTRIDGE: WELCOME TO THE PLACES OF MY LIFE was awarded Best Scripted Comedy Programme.

These prestigious accolades from the Royal Television Society coincide with the season finale of the second series of GIRLS, which aired on Sky Atlantic HD earlier this week. The HBO comedy drama was created by Lena Dunham.

ALAN PARTRIDGE made his return to UK television in 2012 with the special documentary exclusive to Sky Atlantic HD, WELCOME TO THE PLACES OF MY LIFE. It was written by Steve Coogan, Neil Gibbons and Rob Gibbons and produced and directed by David Lambert for Baby Cow Productions.

About the win Director of Sky Atlantic HD, Elaine Pyke, said: “Original, bold and utterly brilliant, GIRLS and ALAN PARTRIDGE: WELCOME TO THE PLACES OF MY LIFE are channel-defining shows for Sky Atlantic HD. We’re thrilled that both programmes and the genius teams behind them have been recognised by the Royal Television Society.”

Accepting her award with a video message, GIRLS creator, director and star Lena Dunham said: “It is a true honour to win Best International Programme and we are so thankful to Sky Atlantic for putting us on the air there and to HBO, our mother at home.  I grew up watching British television; some of the shows that shaped me are Prime Suspect, Ab Fab and, more recently, Gavin & Stacey.  And if there’s a BBC mini-series, you cannot keep me away from it. The idea that our show would have any impact on British television watchers the way that television from your fine country has affected me is just thrilling. We love the UK – we are inspired by your sense of humour and your love of tea and we will continue to try to please you in upcoming seasons."

Notes to editor

For more information please contact:


Girls:

Megan MacLeod

Senior Publicist, Sky Atlantic HD and Sky Movies

HDT: +44 (0)20 7032 4252, M: +44 (0)75845 80014 megan.macleod@bskyb.com

Alan Partridge:
Sarah Aspinall

Senior Publicist, Sky 1 HD, Sky Atlantic HD

020 7032 1488/ sarah.aspinall@bskyb.com