Image caption Getting On chronicles the tribulations of a group of hospital nurses

Dark hospital sitcom Getting On has received three nominations for this year's British Comedy Awards.

The BBC show is up for best sitcom, while Jo Brand and Vicki Pepperdine both vie for best TV comedy actress.

Australian comedian Adam Hills and his Channel 4 talk show The Last Leg also picked up three nominations, including best comedy breakthrough artist and comedy entertainment personality.

The awards will air on Channel 4 on 12 December, with Jonathan Ross as host.

Getting On, which Brand co-wrote, is pitted against Peep Show, Count Arthur Strong and Bad Education for the best sitcom prize.

Brand, 56, received the award for best female TV comic at last year's ceremony.

Miranda Hart receives two nominations - best TV comedy actress for her work in her self-titled sitcom, and best female TV comic for her appearance on Room 101.

Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc are recognised for presenting The Great British Bake Off in the female TV comic category, with Sarah Millican and stand-up comedian Nina Conti also shortlisted.

Jack Whitehall - named king of comedy at the 2012 awards following a public vote - is nominated in the best comic TV actor category for his role in Fresh Meat.

The 25-year-old is up against David Mitchell for Peep Show, Cuckoo star Greg Davies and Kevin Eldon for It's Kevin.

Other awards to be revealed on the night including the king and queen of comedy prizes, determined by the public, and the outstanding contribution to comedy accolade.

Last year the latter prize was presented to Sacha Baron Cohen, who accepted it in character as Ali G.