The creator of the hit BBC period drama received the Outstanding Contribution award. Wainwright, who also wrote Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax, said: “It’s very nice that the award has come on the back of Gentleman Jack, which I’ve been working on for over 20 years. It’s the project that’s always been most close to my heart.”

Wainwright won the Writer’s award for Gentleman Jack, which was also named Best Drama. In the craft categories, composer Murray Gold and production designer Anna Pritchard were also recognised for their work on the series.

Candour Productions’ film for Channel 4, The Family Secret (Single Documentary and Professional Excellence – Factual Production categories) and Air TV’s UKTV series Bangers & Cash (Factual Entertainment and Low-cost Factual) picked up two prizes each. Candour Productions also won the Independent Spirit award.

Amy-Leigh Hickman, who played Nasreen Paracha in Channel 4 drama Ackley Bridge, was named Best Actor.

The Yorkshire Vet, made by Daisybeck Studios for Channel 5, won the Documentary Series category for the second year running.

The Judges’ Award went to Sheffield digital studio Joi Polloi for its work on Channel 4 reality show The Circle.                                                          

The online ceremony was hosted by TV presenter Helen Skelton from The Hepworth Wakefield, and featured special guests including Alex Brooker, Steph McGovern, Amar Latif and Richard Madeley. 

“Everyone in the region has worked so hard over the past few months to ensure ongoing and safe production, while continuing to provide work for our crews and production teams. In that regard, everyone’s a winner,” said RTS Yorkshire Chair Fiona Thompson.

Candour Productions, Daisybeck Studios, True North Post and Universal Production Music sponsored the awards.

RTS Yorkshire Television Awards winners

Outstanding Contribution: Sally Wainwright

Judges’ Award: Joi Polloi

Drama: Gentleman Jack, Lookout Point for BBC/HBO

Actor: Amy-Leigh Hickman, Ackley Bridge, The Forge Entertainment for Channel 4

Writer: Sally Wainwright, Gentleman Jack, Lookout Point for BBC/HBO

Single Documentary: The Family Secret, Candour Productions for Channel 4

Documentary Series: The Yorkshire Vet, Daisybeck Studios for Channel 5

Factual Entertainment: Bangers & Cash, Air TV for UKTV/Yesterday

Features: Wild Animal Rescue, Daisybeck Studios for Channel 5

News or Current Affairs Reporter: Phillip Norton, BBC Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News or Current Affairs Story: Church Abuse Scandal, Look North, BBC Yorkshire & Lincolnshire/Panorama

News Programme: Calendar – South Yorkshire Floods, ITV Yorkshire

Presenter: Harry Gration, BBC Look North, BBC Yorkshire

One to Watch: Josh Carpenter, production co-ordinator, True North

Animation: You, Me and Those Who Came Before, Fettle Animation and Counterpoints Arts for Refugee Week

Independent Spirit: Candour Productions

Low-cost Factual: Bangers & Cash, Air TV for UKTV/Yesterday

Music and Sound: Murray Gold, Gentleman Jack, Lookout Point for BBC/HBO

Professional Excellence – Factual Post-production: Luke Rothery and Nick Thorp, editors, The Yorkshire Dales and The Lakes, True North for More4

Professional Excellence – Factual Production: The Family Secret, Candour Productions for Channel 4

Professional Excellence – Drama & Comedy Post-production: Carry On Up The Khyber, ITV Content Delivery for Britbox

Professional Excellence: Drama & Comedy Production: Anna Pritchard, production designer, Gentleman Jack, Lookout Point for BBC/HBO