Adolescence star Owen Cooper picks up double at RTS Programme Awards

Adolescence star Owen Cooper picked up two awards at the 2026 Royal Television Society (RTS) Programme Awards in London.

The 16-year-old, who has already collected awards including an Emmy and Golden Globe for the role, won the breakthrough award and best supporting actor – male for his standout performance in the Netflix drama, which also secured the award for best limited series.

The four-part drama follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Cooper, who is arrested for the murder of a teenage girl in his school.

The programme is co-written by Stephen Graham, who stars as Jamie’s father Eddie Miller, and examines so-called incel (involuntary celibate) culture. It prompted a national conversation about online safety and received praise from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

“This was work that showed total conviction from a natural talent,” the judges said of Cooper’s performance.

“A performance of phenomenal skill in a demanding, uncompromising role.”

Graham, who was also nominated for leading actor, won best writer – drama alongside Jack Thorne.

The BBC led the night with 16 wins, including victories for Celebrity Traitors in the entertainment and reality category, Things You Should Have Done for scripted comedy, Blue Lights for best drama and EastEnders for soap and continuing drama.

Narges Rashidi won leading actor – female category for her role in Prisoner 951, a BBC factual drama telling the story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was detained by the Iranian state for nearly six years.

The stars of Unforgivable, Bobby Schofield and Anna Friel, picked up awards for leading actor – male and supporting actor – female.

Hamza Yassin won best presenter for Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles, with judges praising how he “combines a deep understanding of the subject with a commitment and passion that leaps out of the screen”.

Gabby Logan won the sports presenter, commentator or pundit category for her role in the coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Sir Michael Palin was presented with the outstanding achievement award at the ceremony hosted by comedian Tom Allen at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel on Tuesday.

Kenton Allen, chairman of the RTS Programme Awards, said: “Tonight’s winners are a powerful reminder that British television remains one of this country’s greatest creative and economic success stories — bold in ambition, world-class in craft, and fearless in the stories it chooses to tell.

“From breakout new talent to national treasures, these awards celebrate the extraordinary range of voices shaping modern television.”