Holly’s brolly good show
THE best of British TV talent refused to let a downpour put the dampeners on the biggest night in television as they dazzled on the red carpet at the Baftas last night.
This Morning’s Holly Willoughby, 36, stole the show in a baby-blue Roland Mouret gown, along with Poldark’s Eleanor Tomlinson, 24, who wore a plunging embroidered floral dress.
But the glamour threatened to be washed away after a flash storm left Saturday Night Takeaway stars Ant and Dec grimacing at the event in London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Dame Joan Collins, 83, complained about the sudden twist in the British weather, which had celebrities cowering under umbrellas.
She said: “It’s usually fabulous – now it’s hell. There’s wind, rain and it’s freezing cold.”
Also turning heads was Coronation Street star Suranne Jones, 38, who wore a red strappy dress with her hair up for the occasion.
Among the night’s big winners were Ant and Dec, both 41, who clinched the award in the live event category for The Queen’s 90th birthday celebration and best entertainment (show) for Saturday Night Takeaway.
Comic Michael McIntyre, 41, also had cause to celebrate after being named the winner in the entertainment category for his BBC1 Big Show.
Comedian Steve Coogan, 51, won his fourth Bafta as comic creation Alan Partridge for male performance in a comedy. The award for the series Scissored Isle on Sky Atlantic came 19 years after the character won his first gong.
Other guests included Thandie Newton, 44, Olivia Colman, 43, and Sarah Lancashire, 52, whose show Happy Valley won the Best Drama. Tom Hollander, 49, won the best supporting actor prize for The Night Manager, in which he starred alongside Tom Hiddleston, 36, while Emmerdale was crowned the best soap and continuing drama.
Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley, 71, was awarded a prestigious Bafta Fellowship for her long and varied career, ranging from humanrights campaigning to playing Patsy in Ab Fab.
The glamorous actress already has two Baftas under her belt for her performance in Ab Fab, and in 2000 she claimed the Special Award for her work in The New Avengers.
She said: “Nothing could make me prouder or happier than being awarded this phenomenal honour. It’s an honour I could never dream of.”
The Crown star Claire Foy, 33, who plays Queen Elizabeth II in the hit Netflix series, admitted she had suffered a wardrobe malfunction – but it did mean she missed the rain.
She said: “I had a dress malfunction and was late. To me Bafta represents our industry – I love the Baftas and feel very supportive of them.”
The show about the early years of the Queen’s reign was in the running for five gongs at the glittering ceremony. The show was hosted by Great British Bake Off star Sue Perkins, 47, who said she was “beyond chuffed” to be keeping longtime host Graham Norton’s seat warm.