They were both covered up in big black coats to brave the chilly London weather, but brunette beauties Gemma Arterton and Victoria Pendleton still managed to shine in sparkly LBDs for a Sunday night out. Stepping out at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the capital's lavish Savoy hotel, actress Gemma was showing off her Bond girl credentials in a fitted, Lanvin strapless dress that boasted a glittery floral appliqué. A disheveled updo, smokey eye up and black ankle boots completed the smoudlering look.
Meanwhile, gold Olympic medallist Victoria, who had just become the latest celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing, was sporting a Burberry sequinned V-neck number with strappy Kurt Geiger heels. It seemed to be a largely monochrome affair, with Colin Firth's wife Livia sporting a white ruffled column dress as she accompanied her husband to the event. And US Vogue editor Anna Wintour teamed her glittery maxi gown with an ivory fur shawl. The awards ceremony, presented by James Corden and in association with Burberry, attracted a host of other stars from theatre, film and music and they celebrated outstanding achievements in the theatre world. And Danny Boyle was honoured with the Beyond Theatre Award, in recognition of his spectacular work on the London 2012 Olympics Games Opening Ceremony. The judges praised the Oscar-winning director for his "outstanding work" in taking theatre outside of the traditional stage.
The 56-year-old was presented his prestigious award by Team GB's cycling champion Victoria. The sporting star looked happy despite having just been evicted from BBC1's dancing competition. She and her partner Brendan Cole lost a dance-off against former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan and Natalie Lowe after the judges' scores were combined with the results of the viewers' votes to decide the lowest scoring two couples in the latest round. Judge Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Michael, saying: "Well this couple completely smashed and I thought they were fantastic, Michael and Natalie." His colleague Darcey Bussell also chose Michael, saying: "Yes, I am going save Michael and Natalie." Bruno Tonioli made the same choice, saying: "I am going to save the best performance, and that came from Michael and Natalie."
Victoria, who had the lowest judges' score on Saturday night, when she and Brendan received only 21 votes out of 40 for a salsa to Robbie Williams' Candy, said: "It's been so much fun. I have loved every second of it. It pushed me totally out of my comfort zone which I think you really need to do in life. "Brendan has been fantastic, the people behind the scenes here - the hair , make-up. I love the costumes. It's been a fantastic experience." Brendan said: "It's been an emotional roller-coaster but I said from the start I was so excited to be paired with Victoria and I haven't changed my mind. She has been a diamond to work with. What a girl. She is the pride of the nation and I couldn't be happier or prouder of you for the way you have attacked it." On Sunday's results show the Strictly professionals took to the floor with dance troupe Flawless, while Irish rockers The Script also performed.
