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Slideshow: Variety Club Showbiz awards 2009
X Factor judge Simon Cowell was crowned Britain's best TV judge at a star-studded ceremony for the best in showbusiness.
He joined Kevin Spacey, Sir Ian McKellen, Michael Sheen and Michael McIntyre in accepting gongs at the Variety Club's annual awards.
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Frost/Nixon Oscar nominee Sheen was awarded film actor of the year and McIntyre added to his clutch of other accolades with the comedy award.
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Spacey was recognised for his work at the Old Vic theatre where he has been artistic director since 2003 and took away the award for outstanding contribution to British theatre.
It was a good night for the stage all round as Sir Ian received the Bernard Delfont award for outstanding contribution to showbusiness from his Waiting For Godot co-star Patrick Stewart.
The old guard of the New Romantics met the new wave of electro-pop as Spandau Ballet collected their award for outstanding contribution to popular music from girl-group The Saturdays.
Justin Lee Collins of the Sunday Night Project was named as television presenter of the year and 18-year-old Pixie Lott scooped the Caron Keating breakthrough talent award.
Britain's Got Talent finalist Faryl Smith picked up the classical award from DJ Simon Bates and The Soldiers, three servicemen who released their debut album last month.
A host of stars including Alesha Dixon, Ben Kingsley, Joe Calzaghe and Dame Kelly Holmes were there to watch them accept the awards.
The annual show raises funds for the Variety Club, which helps sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.
It provides the well-known Sunshine Coaches, electric wheelchairs and equipment for children's hospitals as well as organising exciting day trips.
The charity is celebrating its diamond jubilee this year and has, over the years, raised more than 200 million and improved the lives of more than a million children and young people.
Sir Ian said: "It's an annual celebration to raise a bit of money and awareness for disadvantaged kids. There are some awards being given but thank goodness its not an award show where lists are drawn up to see if the name is finally drawn out of the hat.
"There's much less tension here and people are just out having a good time and celebrating."
He was joined by Sir Ben Kingsley, who said: "I'm here to support a charity that's celebrating its diamond jubilee year with other celebrities, to give it a big hug and spread the word about the wonderful things they do for children.
"It's benign, it's not back-stabbing, it's non-vicious, it's very sweet and charming and life-affirming."
Alesha Dixon said: "I've been involved with the Variety Club for quite a while as I'm the face of the Gold Hearts Appeal 2010. Obviously, I've a little brother who's disabled, so it's a charity that's close to my heart. I think what they do is fantastic, so I was honoured to be asked."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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