The Duke of Cambridge has been shortlisted for the celebrity dad of the year award alongside a host of household names.

Prince William – who welcomed his third child with the Duchess of Cambridge this year – is up against Simon Cowell, David Walliams and Liam Payne for the prize.

Two men who have overcome tragedy in recent years, footballer Rio Ferdinand and broadcaster Simon Thomas, are also shortlisted.

Royal wedding
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince George and Princess Charlotte (Jane Barlow/PA)

Thomas’ wife and mother of their eight-year-old son Ethan, Gemma Thomas, died in November 2017 just three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow.

Meanwhile, former England international Ferdinand’s wife Rebecca died of breast cancer in 2015.

The sportsman, who has three children with Rebecca, won the Best Single Documentary prize at the Bafta TV awards for his film, Being Mum And Dad.

Payne, who welcomed his first child, Bear, with Cheryl in 2017, is up for the award – as are boxers Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Reality TV star Josh Patterson and YouTube personality Mark Hoyle complete the shortlist for the Clas Ohlson celebrity dad of the year prize.

The winner will be announced in June.