Noel Edmonds launched Mr Blobby on an unsuspecting world

The former Radio 1 DJ, 57, is competing against Jonathan Ross, Paul O'Grady, Davina McCall and Ant and Dec for the most popular presenter award.

His game show, Deal Or No Deal, also goes up against Paul O'Grady for the title of most popular daytime show.

The winners of the public vote will be announced at a ceremony in London's Royal Albert Hall on 31 October.

Newcastle duo Ant and Dec are in the running for a record four awards, including best reality show for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Their variety show, Saturday Night Takeaway, is up for best entertainment programme against Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor.

The presenters will also be hoping to break Who Wants To Be A Millionaire's seven-year reign in the best quiz show category, with Gameshow Marathon.

Reality prize

Big Brother's Pete and Nikki are in the running for a new award

The 2006 TV awards will also include a new prize for the year's most popular reality show contestant.

Big Brother winner Pete Bennett will face his former girlfriend Nikki Grahame in that category, with further competition from Carol Thatcher and Chantelle Houghton.

An award for the most popular TV expert, which was introduced last year and won by X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne, has been dropped.

The 2005 National Television Awards were dominated by Doctor Who, which took home three prizes.

It is nominated again for most popular drama, but goes up against popular US series such as Lost.

Veteran newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald will host the awards show, which will be broadcast on ITV on 1 November.