NTAs 2021: Stars arrive on red carpet ahead of ceremony

Stars of the small screen were out in force for the National Television Awards, held at London‘s 02 Arena on Wednesday night.   

And Holly Willoughby brought the glamour to the ceremony as she joined the likes of Emily Atack, Maya Jama, Ferne McCann, Billie Faiers, Maura Higgins and Kate Garraway on the red carpet.

The This Morning presenter, 40, wowed in a dusty blue gown covered in sparkles while Kate, 54, looked incredible in a black and silver glitzy dress.

TV star Maya, 27, was commanding attention in a leggy black gown that featured a silver corset to show off her beautiful curves. 

Meanwhile Mummy Diaries star Billie Faiers, 41, made sure all eyes were on her in a Grecian-inspired silk gown while pop star Michelle Heaton, 42, sizzled in a strapless red dress. 

Emily, 31, showed off her figure in a bright orange tight velvet number while Love Island’s Maura, 30, flaunted her abs in a gold crop top and matching skirt. 

Michelle showed a hint of her ample assets in the floor-length number and carried a multicoloured clutch bag while opting for a pop of red lip. 

First Time Mum star Ferne, 31, wowed in a one-shoulder white gown that showed off some leg with a thigh-split while Love Island host Laura Whitmore dazzled in a silver pleated number.  

Making a statement: Maya Jama showed off her legs in a thigh-split gown that had a silver corset design

Abs: Love Island’s Maura Higgins showed off her incredible figure in a gold sparkly crop top and matching maxi skirt

Putting on a glamorous display: The Mummy Diaries star Billie looked stunning in a white silk gown

Presenters: Ant and Dec looked in high spirits as they put on an animated display on the red carpets in their smart black suits

Stunning: Michelle showed a hint of her ample assets in the floor-length number and carried a multicoloured clutch bag while opting for a pop of red lip

Pose: Maya looked glowing in her incredible gown and opted for a dewy makeup look while showing off her new fringe

Elsewhere, Love Island’s Chloe Burrows and Toby Aromolaran made their first ever red carpet appearance, with the blonde beauty turning heads in a strapless black gown with feather detailing. 

The ceremony’s presenter Joel Dommett made quite the arrival to the red carpet as he rocked up on a scooter wearing a neon green helmet.   

The TV star, 36, looked dapper in a black suit which he teamed with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie as he cruised into the venue. 

Meanwhile TV presenter Zoe Hardman, 38, looked incredible in a pink ruffle gown that had a dramatic thigh split as she hit the red carpet.  

Family: Katie walked the red carpet with her son Harvey, 19, who looked smart in an all-black ensemble

Leggy: Love Island host and presenter Laura Whitmore dazzled in a silver pleated dress and showed off her pins

Dapper: Line of Duty star Martin Compston and his wife Tianna Chanel Flynn cosied up on the red carpet

Radiant: Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo looked stylish in a white and gold gown that featured a ruffle skirt

Bronzed: Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry put on a very busty display in a sheer sparkly dress

Couple: Love Island runners up Faye Winter and Teddy Soares put on a loved-up display on the red carpet

Woah! It’s A Sin star Olly Alexander brightened up the red carpet with a neon green suit and logo T-shirt

Glitzy: Jorgie Porter showed some leg in a silver sequinned mini dress and sky-high heels 

The NTA’s presenter Joel Dommett made quite the arrival to the red carpet on Wednesday night as he rocked up on a scooter wearing a neon green helmet

Wow: The TV star, 36, looked dapper in a black suit which he teamed with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie as he cruised into the venue

Glam: Actress Charlie Brooks was red carpet ready in a silver and black sequinned gown

Loved-up: The comedian and mother of two cosied up to her husband and childhood sweetheart Bobby Kootstra

Ant and Dec scooped the Best Presenter gong for an epic 20th time in a row at the National Television Awards on Thursday, with a visible emotional Ant seen clutching his new wife Anne-Marie as the news was delivered.

The great and the good of British television gathered at London‘s 02 Arena for the star-studded awards show, which also saw Kate Garraway choke back tears as her Finding Derek documentary bagged the inaugural authored documentary award.

Meanwhile, This Morning triumphed once again in the Best Daytime category as they led the other big winners on the night including Line Of Duty, Gogglebox and It’s A Sin.  

Thigh-split: Sporting star Alex Scott left little to the imagination in a sheer black dress that showed plenty of leg too

Incredible: Lilah Parsons showed off her sense of style in a thigh-split green gown for the event 

Mellow yellow: Strictly’s Kristina Rihanoff looked great in a plunging gown which featured sparkly detailing

Bright: Victoria Derbyshire made sure all eyes were on her as she slipped into a pink gown

Queen of Essex: TOWIE star Amy Childs teased a hint of her ample assets in an emerald green cut-out dress

Beauty: Love Island’s Chloe Burrows put on a busty display in a black strapless gown with feather detailing as she arrived with her boyfriend Toby 

Fairytale: Influencer and former Made In Chelsea star Ashley James looked great in a blue strapless gown

All smiles: The new couple looked like they were having a great time as they walked their first red carpet ever

Together: Rochelle was on the red carpet with her husband and JLS star Marvin

Fresh from the villa: The pair recently came second on Love Island, narrowly missing out to Millie Court and Liam Reardon

Couple of the moment: Love Island winners Liam Reardon and Millie Court looked closer than ever at the ceremony

Pals: I’m A Celeb stars Vernon Kay (left) and Giovanna Fletcher (right) attended the National Television Awards 2021 held at the O2 Arena together

Family: Fred Sirieix and his diver daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix looked great as they hit the red carpet together

Suave: Survival expert Bear Grylls cut a smart figure in a black suit and crisp white shirt for the event

Showing off her style: Former Love Island star Georgia Steele put on a busty display in a black dress

Good work: Mollie Gallagher in the press room after winning the Serial Drama Performance award at the National Television Awards 2021

Having fun: Laura opted for full-coverage makeup complete with a dark pink lip and wore her blonde tresses in loose waves over her shoulders

Animated: Ricky Gervais in the press room after winning the Comedy award for After Life at the National Television Awards 2021

Glam ladies: Love Islanders Paige Turley, Molly Smith, Shaughna Phillips all wowed in white and silver gowns as they left their hotel

Couple goals: Paige and Finn looked every inch the perfect couple as they headed to the red carpet

Friends: Anna Williamson and Luisa Zissman rocked up at the red carpet together and beamed for the camera

United front: On-off couple Dane Bowers and Laura Anderson looked loved-up as they made an appearance

Friendly exes: TOWIE’s Pete Wicks and Chloe Sims left the NTAs together after previously falling out following the revelation of their two-year secret relationship

Good night? Emily Atack led the stars leaving the party looking slightly worse for wear with her sister Martha 

Hello: She gave a wave as she climbed into the back of the taxi

Old flame: Exes Jack Fincham and Frankie Sims left arm in arm after breaking up earlier this summer

Having fun: Emily looked great in her velvet dress which she had teamed with red heels 

Outfit change: Tallia changed into a thigh-skimming yellow dress as she left to head home

Love: Teddy and Faye left the ceremony together and looked more loved-up than ever

Home! Parents Billie and Greg headed back to Essex after the NTAs

Ant and Dec looked both elated and stunned as their names were read out amid huge cheers from the audience, with Ant’s new bride Anne-Marie showing him support by taking his hand before applauding the pair.

The Geordie duo beat off competition from the likes of Piers Morgan, Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond and Bradley Walsh to win the coveted gong once more.

Taking to the stage with his co-star, Ant McPartlin said: ‘Thank you very much indeed’, before going on to recall that the first time they won the award in 2001, Tony Blair was Prime Minister and Newcastle United were qualifying for the Champion’s League. 

He went on to add: ‘I’m shaking. You have no idea how special this is.’  

Suave: AJ Pritchard looked great in a smart black suit which he teamed with a white shirt and patterned tie 

Red hot: Tallia Storm put on a typically bright display as she rocked up in a red gown teamed with black boots and a Guess handbag

Star: Lizzie Cundy made sure all eyes were on her in a lace corset gown and white train as she made her arrival 

Soap star: Casualty’s Olivia D’Lima showed off her sense of style in a low-cut grey and blue dress as she posed with a guest 

Work it: Tallia showed off her toned and tanned pins int he revealing dress as she gave her fans a twirl

Sparkle: Beverley Knight looked great in a silver thigh-split gown

Mother-of-one: Former TOWIE star Lydia Bright looked lovely in a black and gold spotted gown

Night out: Michael McIntyre and his wife Kitty looked in great spirits as they posed for the cameras

Backless: Strictly’s Janette Manrara looked great in a light ink tiered gown that showed off her toned figure

Dancer: Dancing On Ice’s Jayne Torvill looked pretty in a purple dress and sparkly silver pumps

Couple: Love Island’s Kaz Kamwi and Tyler Cruickshank looked great together as they headed to their first red carpet

Blonde bombshell: Love Island’s Lucinda Strafford made an appearance in a sheer cut-out black dress

Stepping: Love island star Georgia Harrison was seen leaving Forbici hair salon in Knightsbridge after getting her hair and make up done before heading to the NTA’s

Work it: Georgia showed off her incredible figure in a red glitzy jumpsuit which she teamed with a nude Chanel handbag

Inseparable: Bradley Dack and Olivia Attwood proved their romance was going strong at the event

Dapper: TOWIE hunk Pete Wicks looked great in a brown suit as he posed with First Dates waitress Cici Coleman

Duo: New Radio 1 drivetime hosts Vick Hope (left) and Jordan North also made an appearance together

Incredible figure: Former TOWIE star Chloe Lewis slipped into an ab-flashing white dress

Leggy: Georgia headed to the after party as well and flicked her hair around for the camera 

Dec then added that the award is ‘pretty overwhelming’, before thanking their wives for their support. 

He continued: ‘When you get to 20, you cant help but look back at first one, so much has changed in lives, but one thing hasn’t changed it how unbelievably grateful we are to you for voting.’ 

The duo’s proud wives Anne-Marie Corbett and Ali Astall looked on from the audience as their partner’s gave their speech.

Night out: TOWIE stars Diags and Demi Sims headed out together after the ceremony

Pals: Made in Chelsea’s Emily Blackwell and TOWIE’s Chloe Lewis both looked great in white for the after party

Night off! New parents Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallet both dressed in black as they headed out

Soap star: Danny Dyer was seen leaving the NTA Awards on Thursday night while smoking a cigarette

Speaking in the winner’s room later, Ant said: ’20 years, it’s a long time and to get up there tonight and to be voted for so much has happened and the public are still voting for us it means the absolute world. 

‘It’s the biggest privilege to be on air and put a smile on people’s faces while going through an awful time.’

While Dec remarked: ‘In the category, the calibre was so high, three other candidates who deserved it! (Jokingly referring to one of those not being Piers Morgan, who was also up for the same gong).

Elsewhere, it proved to be a triumphant night for for This Morning as they once again won the Daytime award.

Hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield led the way up on stage as they delightedly accepted the award alongside co-hosts Ruth Langsford, Eamonn Holmes and Rochelle Humes.     

Smart: Ricky Gervais and Jane Fallon beamed as they posed for pictures on the red carpet

However, the duo will not make their usual worse-for-wear appearance on the ITV show as this year’s awards is held on a Thursday, with the pair not presenting on Fridays. 

Phillip thanked the viewers for sticking with the show during the pandemic, while Holly also thanked the team and everyone at home for watching and voting. 

Meanwhile, Kate Garraway looked simply stunned as the documentary about her husband Derek Draper’s Covid battle won the authored documentary.

The Good Morning Britain host received a standing ovation from the audience including her ITV pals Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield and Ruth Langsford as she made her way to the stage.

Success: Olly Alexander said making It’s a Sin was ‘one of the greatest experiences of his life’ after it won the New Drama Award at the National Television Awards 

But things became a bit too much as she choked back tears and asked one of her team to say something while she composed herself. 

As she stepped up to the mic, she said: ‘It was a hugely brave decision from ITV for doing this, they didn’t know if they were making a TV show about bereavement or triumph’, adding that it ‘ended up being something between the two.’ 

In her speech, she said: ‘Thank you so much for voting, I wonder if the reason you did this is because our story is your story, I think we’ve all been touched by the pandemic, whether it’s livelihoods or mental health.

‘All the other extraordinary documentaries that have been highlighted this evening have also been affected by the pandemic. I just want to say to all the Darcys and Billies and Dereks and Derek’s family that whatever you’re going through and however you’re effected – you’re not forgotten.

Host with the most: The annual awards show returned to London’s O2 arena, with Joel Dommett hosting for the first time

‘We want the joy back, we want it to be over but if you’re still living with the scars the fight goes on. 

But most important of all, Derek you should be here and he should have had the chance to tell his own story, Derek you’re gonna get the chance, I believe, the hope is real thank you so much!’

Speaking later in the winner’s room, Kate said: ‘Congratulations to the team who made it though together. It’s there’s really. I wasn’t sure if I was going to come tonight. 

‘I’m extraordinarily proud of it but it felt like a strange time to leave the family but even on the way in here a woman called Angela and her son jack said I lost my husband and the documentary helped.’

She added: ‘The reaction was extraordinary. They voted because it was their story. We’ve all been touched by the pandemic.  

New award: Kate Garraway looked simply stunned as the documentary about her husband Derek Draper’s Covid battle won the authored documentary

‘Derek’s gonna know about this award tonight. I need to phone home. The kids are in the room with Derek we have a weird contraption at home and they’re watching the whole thing.’

She concluded: ‘The award goes to Derek and kids.’

It was an especially great night for Ant and Dec as their show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! also bagged The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award.

Ant and Dec took to the microphone first before handing things over to reigning champion Giovanna Fletcher, who dazzled in a white gown with feathered cape.

Meanwhile, Line Of Duty bagged their first NTA during the night, scooping the award for best returning drama. 

The drama pipped The Crown, Call The Midwife and Unforgotten to the post, with the cast and crew looking elated as they made their way to the stage.   

However, it was actor Tommy Jessop – who played Terry Boyle – who stole the show as he performed a hilarious dance and did Bruce Forsyth’s famous pose for the audience.

Star Martin Compston later said in the winner’s room: ‘Thank You to everyone who voted for us. Tommy was fantastic. I think he’s going to take the award! 

‘People ask me every two mins if there will be another season. These people love what we do so I never take it for granted. 

‘It means it’s going well. It means people are so invested and the fact the audience keeps getting bigger over ten years so who knows?’  

Meanwhile, Gogglebox paid tribute to the stars of the show who’ve passed away in recent years as they scooped the Factual award.

Julie Malone said to the audience: ‘On behalf of all the Gogglebox families I just want to say thank you for nominating us for this award.

‘And on a sadder note, nominate it to all the people we’ve lost over the past 18 months and two years.

‘That’s Andy, Pete, Mary, and everybody’s favourite grandma June who is now reunited with Leon.’

Fellow show star Sophie Sandiford had initially began a speech, but soon forgot her words, blaming her blunder on having too much drink.  

Her brother Pete then took over as he thanked the cast, crew and fans, before handing over to Julie. 

Elsewhere, in a funny moment, Jude Riordan couldn’t even reach the microphone as he accepted his award for Best Newcomer for his performance on Coronation Street – making him the youngest ever winner at the event. 

Made the cut: Line Of Duty bagged their first NTA during the night, scooping the award for best returning drama

The 10-year-old had to be lifted by host Joel Dommett so he could give his speech in the hilarious moment at the ceremony. 

He said in his speech: ‘Oh my word this is amazing! I would just like to say thankyou to all my fans for voting for me, and all my Corrie cast and crew for helping me, and my family for supporting me and yeah that’s mainly it – thankyou guys!’  

Meanwhile, Olly Alexander said making It’s a Sin was ‘one of the greatest experiences of his life’ after it won the New Drama Award at the National Television Awards.

Show creator Russell T Davies told MailOnline selling the show was not easy and one unnamed TV executive even referred to it as ‘that miserable AIDS drama’. 

Ricky Gervais accepted the award for his Netflix show After Life, which won the Comedy prize on the night. 

Other big winners on the night included Strictly Come Dancing, who were awarded the prize for Best Talent Show. 

The Great British Bake Off also won in the Challenge Show category, with show stars Peter Sawkins and Laura Adlington taking to the stage.  

Meanwhile, David Tennant, scooped the best Drama Performance prize for his portrayal of Dennis Nilsen in drama Des.

While Coronation Street’s Mollie Gallagher was overwhelmed as she won the best Serial Drama Performance for playing Nina Lucas in the ITV soap.

There were extra celebrations for Corrie as the soap bagged the coveted Serial Drama award, warding off rivals EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. 

Beat The Chasers also emerged victorious, beating off competition from Celebrity Catchphrase, In For A Penny and Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel in the Quiz Show category. 

NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS 2021: THE WINNERS

Challenge Show 

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins

Love Island

WINNER: The Great British Bake Off

The Great British Sewing Bee

New Drama

Bridgerton

Des

WINNER: It’s A Sin

Normal People

Talent Show

Britain’s Got Talent

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

WINNER: Strictly Come Dancing

The Masked Singer

Tasty! Bake Off won the Challenge Show prize 

Authored Documentary

WINNER: Kate Garraway: Finding Derek

Katie Price: Harvey and Me

Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain’s Children

Rob Burrow: My Year With MND

Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency

Touching: The Authored Documentary winner was Kate Garraway: Finding Derek

Returning Drama

Call the Midwife

WINNER: Line of Duty

The Crown

Unforgotten

TV Presenter

Alison Hammond

WINNER: Ant and Dec

Bradley Walsh

Holly Willoughby

Piers Morgan

Factual

Caroline Flack: Her Life and Death

WINNER: Gogglebox

Gordon, Gino and Fred: American Road Trip

Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs

Drama Performance

Adrian Dunbar, Ted Hastings, Line of Duty

WINNER: David Tennant, Dennis Nilsen, Des

Martin Compston, Steve Arnott, Line of Duty

Olly Alexander, Ritchie Tozer, It’s A Sin

Vicky McClure, Kate Fleming, Line of Duty

 

The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award

Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway

WINNER: I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Taskmaster

The Graham Norton Show

You lose some, you win some! Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway was up for a prize, but the duo’s other show, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! scooped the gong

Serial Drama

WINNER: Coronation Street

EastEnders

Emmerdale

Hollyoaks

Serial Drama Performance

Billy Price, Sid Sumner, Hollyoaks

Danny Dyer, Mick Carter, EastEnders

WINNER: Mollie Gallagher, Nina Lucas, Coronation Street

Sally Carman, Abi Franklin, Coronation Street

Quiz Game Show

WINNER: Beat The Chasers

Celebrity Catchphrase

In For A Penny

Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel

Newcomer

Emile John, Ethan Anderson, Emmerdale 

WINNER: Jude Riordan, Sam Blakeman, Coronation Street

Olivia D’Lima, Paramedic Fenisha Khatri, Casualty

Rhiannon Clements, Summer Ranger, Hollyoaks

Rose Ayling-Ellis, Frankie Lewis, EastEnders

Winner! Mollie Gallagher, who plays Nina Lucas in Coronation Street, bagged herself a gong

Daytime

Loose Women

The Chase

The Repair Shop

WINNER: This Morning

Comedy

WINNER: After Life

Friday Night Dinner

Sex Education

The Vicar of Dibley