Benedict Cumberbatch has once again lost out on a best actor award at the television BAFTAs, held on Sunday night in London. The actor was beaten by Jason Watkins who won for his portrayal of the title character in ITV's 'The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies'.

Benedict CumberbatchThere was no BAFTA for Benedict on Sunday.

Cumberbatch is a five time BAFTA nominee, having been nominated three times for his performance as Sherlock Holmes in 2011, 2012 and 2015. The actor was also recognised in 2004 for 'Hawking' and picked up a best supporting actor nod in 2009 for ‘Small Island’.

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Cumberbatch seemingly didn't feel too confident about picking up an award however, as he failed to attend the ceremony. Also MIA was Cumberbatch's 'Sherlock' co-star Martin Freeman, who failed to recieve an nomination for his role as Dr Watson.

Accepting ‘Sherlock’s’ Radio Times audience award, showrunner Steven Moffat explained both Cumberbatch’s and Freeman’s absence saying, “Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson cannot be here tonight. Martin is looking after the kids, and Benedict is looking after his pregnant wife which is what real men do.”

Dad-to-be Cumberbatch hasn't had much luck at the award ceremonies so far this year, after he lost out at the Oscars, Golden Globes and BAFTA Film Awards for his performance as codebreaker Alan Turning in ‘The Imitation Game’.

Elsewhere at the BAFTA's ceremony, Georgina Campbell was named best leading actress for ‘Murdered By My Boyfriend’ and James Rea was awarded the supporting actor gong for BBC2’s ‘The Honourable Woman’.

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The award for best male performance in a comedy programme went to ‘Toast of London’ star and co-writer Matt Berry, while ‘WIA’ actress Jessica Hynes took home the award for best female performance in a comedy programme.