The best of British TV was honoured on Tuesday night with a star-studded ceremony at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall, with everyone from Patsy Kensit to Carol Vorderman turning out for the glamorous affair. Top honours at the National TV Awards went to The Royle Family, which picked up two trophies including Most Popular Comedy Show, while EastEnders made off with the coveted Best Serial gong.
The Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson took home the prize for Most Popular Comedy Performer. “I want to be serious for ten seconds and thank you so much,” said the star. “I feel so proud and privileged.”
BBC’s EastEnders was saluted, as was castmember Jessie Wallace, who accepted the Best Newcomer trophy. “Thanks to everyone at EastEnders, especially my screen family, the Slaters,” she said.
Cheeky SMTV hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly – aka Ant and Dec – were named Most Popular Entertainment Presenters, beating Graham Norton and five-time champ Michael Barrymore. “I think I am going to be sick,” joked Dec about his nervous excitement after picking up the award. Funnyman Ant added: “It has been a fantastic couple of years. We are over the moon.”
While Barrymore failed to repeat his success in the Entertainment Presenter category, the evening did hold a high note for the troubled comedian. Though he was not on hand for the event – ITV bosses reportedly suggested he keep a low profile following the death earlier this year of a 31-year-old man at Barrymore’s Essex home – the perennial favourite received a boost as his My Kind Of Music was named Most Popular Entertainment Programme. It pipped to the post both Popstars and Stars In Their Eyes. Awards show host Sir Trevor McDonald read a statement from Barrymore at the ceremony, saying: “In view of recent events and the death of my mother I do not feel on this occasion I can attend the awards.”
Barrymore’s win was not the evening’s only surprise. TV’s Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan – This Morning’s Richard And Judy – received honours for Most Popular Daytime Programme despite famously leaving the show earlier this year. “It couldn’t have been a better leaving present,” said Judy.
There had been speculation that the duo would skip the ceremony following their departure from the series and the memory of last year’s embarrassing “boob” incident. However, the husband and wife team were all smiles at the prestigious event. “I’m wearing a different gown this year and have checked to make sure it is very firmly sewn,” reported Judy. “I hope I will be all right this time.”
Big Brother 2 presenter Davina McCall was at Albert Hall to accept honours for the summer reality series. “This is a very, very special award,” said the star, who recently became a mum. She later praised the show’s instant celebrities: “I want to thank Helen and Paul for keeping me on the edge of my seat.”
Other winners at the annual awards included Michael Parkinson, whose talk show received top honours, and quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? – saluted for the third year running and outpacing rival The Weakest Link. Entertainer Des O’Connor received a special achievement award in recognition of more than 40 years in the industry. Bad Girls was named Best Drama for the second year running. In the acting categories, David Jason of A Touch Of Frost and Only Fools And Horses was named Best Actor, and Amanda Burton scored for the BBC’s Silent Witness.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
