The Big Bang Theory star fancied to pick up Best Comedy Actor gong

The Emmy Awards 2010 are fast approaching and Jim Parsons is our best bet to land the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series gong for his role as Sheldon Cooper in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory.

Parsons was nominated for the first time 12 months ago but was snubbed by the judges in favour of 30 Rock star Alec Baldwin, AKA Jack Donaghy.

However, the popularity of The Big Bang Theory has gone through the roof over the past year, thanks mainly to the exploits of Caltech theoretical physicist Dr Sheldon Lee Cooper.

For those not familiar with the show, Sheldon exhibits a strict adherence to routine, a lack of understanding of irony, sarcasm and humour - and a complete lack of humility.

I'm afraid you'll have to watch a few scenes to see how those characteristics are the main sources of his character's humour and the centre of a number of episodes, but taky my word for it - he is hilarious.

The Big Bang Theory has already been voted Favorite TV Comedy at the 36th People's Choice Awards and now it is time for Parsons to claim some richly deserved personal acclaim at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on August 29.

He is 15/8 favourite with bet365 to land this award, with Tony Shalhoub of The Monk 9/4, Baldwin 4/1 to retain his title, Steve Carell of The Office 6/1, Matthew Morrison of Glee 8/1 and Curb Your Enthusiasm star Larry David 9/1.

The firm have already seen plenty of support for other categories, with Edie Falco of Nurse Jackie well backed into Evens for the Best Comedy Actress award.

Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad is a solid 6/4 favourite for Best Drama Actor, but there has also been money for House star Hugh Laurie here and he is in to 7/2.

Julianna Marguiles of The Good Wife is another proving popular with punters in the Best Drama Actress section and she has been cut to 10/11 for this gong.

Modern Family heads the betting for Best Comedy Series at 8/11, while Mad Men is a 5/6 jolly for the Best Drama category.