Our Holly shows the U.S. how to have a jolly

THE special relationship may be intact, but there is one area where the U.S. and the UK are more than oceans apart, and that is award ceremonies.

For American stars, shimmering with ambition under their perfect gowns and immaculate suits, it is a serious business and a big night. For our stars, shimmering with excitement at the thought of a free bar, it’s a big night out. Compare the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards to our National Television Awards.

Ultra-disciplined American stars treat these gongfests as work. They turn up on message with prize-poodle standards of grooming. The mood is taut-jawed, humourless and please, nobody mention Harvey. Here, our stars walk the red carpet looking like wild-eyed lunatics who got dressed in the dark and drunk in their limos en route. The party is seen as a reward for work, not more work.

Paul O’Grady took his dog this year. Soap star Lucy Fallon was rude about a campaign for women to show less boobage. ‘If you want to show your cleavage, show your cleavage,’ she said before falling out of her (tiny) dress.

Holly Willoughby (pictured) and Phillip Schofield were proud of being still tipsy when they presented their show the next morning. Nobody takes it or themselves too seriously. Everybody has a laugh. And I know which side of the Pond’s pondlife I prefer.