National Television Awards: Downton Abbey wins to ensure a happy ending

the final series of Downton Abbey has bowed out in style at the National Television Awards, winning one of the night's first big categories.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jan 2016, 07:24 BST
Updated 21st Jan 2016, 07:29 BST
Laura Carmichael (centre) from Downton Abbey with the award for Best Drama in the pressroom at the National Television Awards 2016 held at The O2 Arena in London. PIC: PALaura Carmichael (centre) from Downton Abbey with the award for Best Drama in the pressroom at the National Television Awards 2016 held at The O2 Arena in London. PIC: PA
Laura Carmichael (centre) from Downton Abbey with the award for Best Drama in the pressroom at the National Television Awards 2016 held at The O2 Arena in London. PIC: PA

The show - set in Yorkshire - was named best drama last night beating shows like Doctor Who, Casualty and ITV’s Broadchurch.

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes called the shows win a “happy ending”. He said: “I love happy endings and this is a very happy ending, thank you.”

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The BBC’s flagship baking show, The Great British Bake Off, which was won by Leeds woman Nadiya Hussain, took home the best challenge award, beating the likes of Bear Grylls’ Mission Survive and The Apprentice.

Accepting the award, Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood said: “A huge thank you ... in fact we all started crying again down on the row.”

Fellow judge Mary Berry interjected adding that it felt “strange” not to have the show’s co-hosts, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, there with them.

EastEnders star Danny Dyer thanked his parents as he gave his speech for winning the serial drama performance award.

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ITV’s This Morning emerged as winners in the live magazine category, while former X Factor winner Shayne Ward cemented his move from singer to TV actor by winning the newcomer award. Ward landed a part in popular soap Coronation Street playing Aidan Connor, half-brother to Carla (Alison King).

Other winners included: Comedy: Peter Kay’s Car Share; New Drama: Doctor Foster; Entertainment Programme: I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!; Talent Show: Strictly Come Dancing; Daytime: The Chase; Live Magazine Show: This Morning; Serial Drama: EastEnders; Serial Drama Performance: Danny Dyer; Factual Entertainment: Gogglebox; Newcomer : Shayne Ward; TV Presenter : Ant and Dec; Drama Performance: Suranne Jones; International: The Big Bang Theory; Special Recognition: Billy Connolly; TV Moment of the Year: Aidan Turner.

Related topics:Danny DyerYorkshireCasualty