Culture
26 Jan 17

Graham Norton and Mrs. Brown Among Big Winners At UK National Television Awards

Ireland produced two of the big winners at the UK National Television Awards in London last night. Mrs Brown's Boys and Graham Norton were among those to snap up gongs, with Strictly Come Dancing snapping up the Talent Show award.

The awards are voted for by the public and therefore reflect popular sentiment. It was no surprise then, when the ratings topper Mrs Brown's Boys was named winner in the Best Comedy category, ahead of The Big Bang Theory, Benidorm and Orange is the New Black.

Brendan O’Carroll, who is both the creator and the star of Mrs Brown's Boys thanked the public for their support. He described the National Television Awards gong as "the most important award we get."

"Thank you so much,” O’Carroll said. “We're all here. Thank you Sir Ken, to be nominated twice in the same category is amazing, we so appreciate it."

This was a reference to an error made by the presenter, Ken Dodd, who read Mrs. Brown’s Boys twice among the nominations.

Graham Norton was honoured with a Special Recognition Award for his contribution to broadcasting. Dolly Parton, Helen Mirren, Ed Sheeran, Judi Dench, Mel Giedroyc, Will Smith and Graham Norton's mother Rhoda Walker among those who paid tribute, in a special pre-recorded tribute.

Norton's mother, Rhoda, gave credit for her son’s success to another Irish TV legend, Father Ted Fans will remember that he played Father Noel Furlong in what was his first major TV part. “He was always trying to make people laugh,” she revealed.

"I think he'll be thrilled to win this award, and really shocked," she added.

"It's not just questions," Will Smith said of Norton’s interviewing style. “He's just magnificent at understanding who's sat in front of him enough to set the table for you to win."

"You never quite know what's going to happen,” Judie Dench said, and doubtless viewers everywhere agreed. “You're always waiting for that ghastly red chair. It's so unfair. Gosh it makes me laugh,"

"I had the most fun with him when he came to Dollywood,” Dolly Parton said. "I think, of all the people I've worked with, I have more in common with Graham than with anyone else... I just love him."

The award was presented by Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville.

"Look I know, I know, I know, this is a sort of NTAs pity party because it's the only way I can get one of these over Ant and Dec,” Norton quipped, referring to the winners of the Best Entertainment Programme Award. "I feel so old! I feel like the NTAs have invited me to my own funeral. Turns out it was great – Will Smith and my mother were there and Dolly and Hugh. Thank you so much to the NTAs for this. I don't quite know what to say because legions of people have worked on the show over the years."

He went on to thank his management and friends for supporting him through the years.

Afterwards, Norton is reported to have remembered that he forgot to thank his mother!

"I thought, 'Oh my God I forgot to thank my mother', so what I need to be doing is phone her and build some bridges,” he joked. "I've never seen her on the telly and I'm gutted I didn't say 'thank you' to her."

The winners of the National Television Awards were:
Entertainment Programme: Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway

Drama Performance: Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley)

Factual Entertainment: Gogglebox

Serial Drama Performance: Lacey Turner (EastEnders)

Comedy: Mrs Brown's Boys

TV Judge: Mary Berry

Daytime: The Chase

Period Drama: Call the Midwife

Live Magazine: This Morning

Newcomer: Faye Brookes (Coronation Street)

TV Presenter: Ant and Dec

Special Recognition: Graham Norton