Cowell honoured at National Television Awards
Friday, October 31st, 2008
Dr Who, Eastenders and Top Gear were among the shows to be honoured at last night’s National Television Awards.
Dr Who won Most Popular Drama, beating Desperate Housewives, Shameless and The Bill. David Tennant, who plays the Doctor, also beat his on-screen sidekick Catherine Tate to win the gong for Outstanding Drama Performance in a ceremony overshadowed by his resignation from the hit show, as well as the ongoing furore over Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross’s lewd phone prank. It was the forth gong in a row for Dr Who, and Tennant’s third.
It was a mixed night for Simon Cowell. Although three of the shows he fronts were nominated for Most Popular Talent Show - The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, and Dancing on Ice - it was rival Strictly Come Dancing that won the vote. But his long-serving contribution to popular TV won him a life-time achievement award, presented by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Picking up his gong, Cowell congratulated Strictly on winning the talent show category. Backstage, however, Cowell was more forthright about missing out on the gong. “It’s bad enough losing but losing to that lot is a nightmare,” he said. “I’m p***ed off. I’m not happy.”
Cowell also spoke of the pitfalls of fame, revealing that he had no private life and had to worry constantly about being photographed. But his message was altogether positive. “I’ve definitely become more spoilt, more shallow and can honestly say I have loved every single minute of it. It’s the best job in the world,” he said.
Introducing Cowell, Andrew Lloyd Webber spoke about the row concerning Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand: “It’s been a difficult night for all of TV and broadcasting. We might as well address the issue because what we’re looking for now is a man with integrity, and enough moral fibre to bring us through”, Lord Webber said.
Top Gear was named Most Popular Factual Programme, and the Paul O’Grady Show took the Entertainment Programme category. EastEnders was named Most Popular Serial Drama, for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile Rita Simons won the Popular Newcomer title for her role as Roxy Mitchell in the soap.
Ant and Dec were awarded the gong for Best Entertainment Presenter for the seventh year running.
