Emmy triumph for British television

Britain had a triumphant evening at the annual Emmy awards in America, with Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman winning best actress and actor awards, and British television series taking prizes.

Helen Mirren was named best actress in a mini-series or television special for her performance in Prime Suspect III: Scent of Darkness. Alan Rickman took the male award for Rasputin. Both declared they were "chuffed", with Miss Mirren explaining to the at the ceremony in Pasadena that chuffed translated as "very pleased".

The night brought five award statuettes each to Gulliver's Travels and The X Files. Gulliver was voted best mini-series, and The X Files victory included an Emmy for Peter Boyle for best dramatic guest actor, and an award for best writing.

Dennis Franz, the star of NYPD Blue, was named best dramatic actor in a series; and the medical drama E.R. won the best drama series title for the second time.