EastEnders’ actor Adam Woodyatt got a standing ovation last night after dedicating the show’s Serial Drama award to Coronation Street’s Anne Kirkbride.
Easties and and its long-standing rival Corrie were up for the same gong in the last category of the National Television Awards, but the Ian Beale actor ignored the competitive nature of the ceremony by paying tribute to the Deirdre Barlow star, who died on Monday after a short illness.
After accepting the award in front of the whole cast, Adam said: “I’d like to give a big thank you to Coronation Street, because without you, there would be no EastEnders.
“Without enduring characters like Ken and Deirdre, we wouldn’t be here.”
He continued: “So if you don’t mind, we’d like to accept this for the Weatherfield One. Thank you.”
The Corrie cast, who had up until that moment been looking very sombre and emotional in The O2 arena, leapt to their feet to applaud Adam’s words.
William Roache, who has played opposite Anne as her on-screen husband Ken Barlow for 40 years, had given a heart-rending speech earlier in the evening in which he told the audience of his love for 60-year-old Anne.
“I feel so honoured, blessed and privileged to have had those years working with Anne,” he told the audience.
“She was a vibrant, loving person who brightened up our lives. The programme brought her and her husband David together, and lovingly and loyally he has been at Anne’s side since they were married.
“We share your grief and sadness at losing such a beautiful person, who will be so missed by us all. I love you Anne. Thank you.”
NTAs 2015: ALL the looks from the red carpet
National Television Awards 2015: All the looks from the red carpet
1 of 31Sammy Winward
The Emmerdale actress looked angelic in this soft, nude gown and loose curls.
2 of 31Vikki Michelle
I'm a Celeb's Vikki decided to go with long-sleeves (nearly).
3 of 31Kris Jenner
We SWEAR Kim K wore this gown before Kris did.
4 of 31Laure Whitmore
The MTV star looked flawless as per walking down the red carpet
5 of 31Casey Batchelor
The reality star left nothing for the imagination with her strategically placed lace.
6 of 31Chloe Sims
This dress looked PAINFU, Chloe???
7 of 31Ferne McCann
The TOWIE star wore this ASOS dress and Topshop shoes.
8 of 31Fiona Wade
The Eastenders star looked purely stunning in white.
9 of 31Gaynor Faye
The Emmerdale actress matched her black dress with a pink clutch.
10 of 31Gemma Collins
The TOWIE star WORKED this blazer dress. Nice one, Gem!
11 of 31Gemma Oaten
The Emmerdale actress decided to channel her inner Gypsy wedding
12 of 31Jacqueline Jossa
The pregnant Eastenders star dressed her baby bump with sparkles
13 of 31Lauren Pope
The TOWIE star shared a bit more than she intended to on the red carpet...
14 of 31Stephanie Davis
The Hollyoaks star wore this cheekly number to the glitzy awards do.
15 of 31Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
The Strictly Come Dancing hosts were joined at the hip as they waltzed down the red carpet (though Claudia refused to take off her coat!)
16 of 31Mel B
The X Factor judge flashed those toned arms in this elegant black gown.
17 of 31Pixie Lott
Pixie tried to look 'edgy'. We miss cute, girly Pixie!
18 of 31Lorna Fitzgerald
The Eastenders actress looked much older than her years in this graphic midi dress.
19 of 31Emma Willis
The Big Brother presenter flashed some midrif in this crop top and maxi skirt combo.
20 of 31Davina McCall
Davina covered up her monochrome gown with a sheepskin coat, but check out the skirt!
21 of 31Alesha Dixon
How hot does Alesha look in this super-tight dress?(But how does she walk???)
22 of 31nikki-sanderson
23 of 31Darcy Bussell
The Strictly Come Dancing judge covered up from the cold with a fur snug.
24 of 31Angela Griffin
The TV actress wore a dusky pink gown with diamante detail. Check those ruffles!
25 of 31luisa-ntas
26 of 31Christine Bleakley
The TV presenter worked the old school Hollywood glamour for the NTA red carpet.
27 of 31Jessica Wright
The TOWIE star braved the cold in this backless, red gown.
28 of 31Charlotte Crosby
The Geordie Shore star scrubs up well!
29 of 31Maisie Williams
How CUTE does Aria Stark look!?
30 of 31Lucy and Tiffany Watson
The Made In Chelsea sisters showed off their fashion credentials on the NTAs red carpet.
31 of 31Melanie Sykes
The TV presenter and reality star tried her best to work the androgynous look.