The final series of ITV’s Downton Abbey has won best drama for the fourth time in five years at the 2016 National Television Awards. Star Hugh Bonneville thanked the drama’s creator, Julian Fellowes, for giving them wonderful lines to say.
BBC drama Doctor Foster collected two awards – best new drama and best drama performance for its star Suranne Jones. The pregnant actress joked she was missing an antenatal class to attend the ceremony.
Meanwhile, EastEnders beat rival Coronation Street and landed the prize for best serial drama.
American actor Dustin Hoffman flew in from the US to present comedian Billy Connolly with his special recognition award.
Hoffman paid a moving tribute to Connolly, known affectionately in Scotland as the Big Yin. “I’m delighted to be here to pay tribute to a man whose work I’ve always admired and whose company I always enjoy,” Hoffman said. He said that the essence of Connolly was “the unique capacity to reflect human behaviour and stand it on his head.”