Holly’s Hollywood glam at TV awards
QUEEN of baking Mary Berry was crowned best TV judge at the National Television Awards last night.
She received her award at a star-studded ceremony in London, broadcast live on ITV.
The 81-year-old, who has bid farewell to The Great British Bake Off now it is moving to Channel 4, said in her acceptance speech: “I’m thrilled. But the greatest reward of all is the young are baking.”
She beat off competition for the award from the BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Len Goodman, 72, and The X Factor’s Nicole Scherzinger and Britain’s Got Talent’s David Walliams, as well as Simon Cowell, boss of both reality ITV shows.
The ceremony, held at the O2 Arena, honoured the best in the world of television as voted for by the public.
TV duo Ant and Dec were the first winners of the night when their Saturday Night Takeaway was named the victor in the Entertainment Programme category.
Accepting the award, Ant said: “It really is our baby and, it’s a bit of a shock first award up, but what a thrill.”
I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! which the pair host, was the winner in the Challenge Show category.
Glamour
The pair also claimed a record 16th consecutive gong in the best TV presenter category.
I’m a Celebrity winner Scarlett Moffatt’s show Gogglebox claimed the crown in the Factual Entertainment category.
Long-running BBC medical drama Casualty was named winner of the drama category.
Strictly Come Dancing beat off competition from Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor to win the Talent Show category.
Oozing Hollywood glamour in a pink gown, This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby joined co-host Phillip Schofield to collect the prize for best Live Magazine Show.
The NTAs introduced a brand new Period Drama category and Call The Midwife took the inaugural crown.
Netflix’s 1980s-based sci-fi horror Stranger Things was nominated, making it the first internet drama series to be recognised.
Emmerdale won the soap category for the first time.
Sarah Lancashire’s performances in Happy Valley earned her the award for the best Drama Performance.
Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes was named the best Newcomer and EastEnder Lacey Turner was honoured in the category of best Serial Drama Performance.
TV presenter Graham Norton was given a Special Recognition Award.
And Sir Ken Dodd, 89, presented the prize for the best comedy, accidentally twice reading out the name of the winner, Mrs Brown’s Boys.
Brendan O’Carroll, who plays Mrs Brown, said as he was joined by the rest of the cast: “Thank you so much, we’re all here... thank you Sir Ken.
“To be nominated twice in the same category is amazing – we so appreciate it.”