There's a lot of rising talent from the UK calling New York home at the moment, from Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick to MTV presenter Alexa Chung. Those exports were out in force in the Big Apple this week, flying the flag for their home nation at the International Emmy Awards on a night when Britain stole the show.
The man of the moment at the event – celebrating TV excellence outside the US – was veteran broadcaster Sir David Frost. He was honoured with a lifetime achievement award, presented to him by The View's Barbara Walters. Those in the room, including Ed, the show's host Graham Norton and Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, rose to their feet as the 70-year-old was called on stage to accept his trophy.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair also paid tribute to Sir David in a video message. "I know we share something else in common, we've both been played by Michael Sheen. Personally I think he was better as you, but that’s a matter of opinion," he quipped. "More than anything else though, on this night it's an occasion for us to look back and thank you for what you've done. "David's success topped a triumphant night for the UK - British shows won a total of five out of the ten categories.
Julie Walters was named best actress for her role in the real-life BBC drama A Short Stay in Switzerland, playing a doctor with an incurable disease seeking assisted suicide. And talented 29-year-old Ben Whishaw won the award for best actor for the five-part drama Criminal Justice, about a young man accused of murder. Sadly neither could attend the event because of work commitments – Julie is shooting Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, while Ben is promoting his latest film, Bright Star.
