The drama Mr Bates v The Post Office has garnered numerous accolades at the National Television Awards, while Strictly Come Dancing also triumphed – despite facing allegations of misconduct.
This ITV production, which brought attention to the Post Office scandal, in which subpostmasters were unjustly prosecuted due to issues with the Horizon IT system, secured three awards on Wednesday evening.
Toby Jones, portraying the former subpostmaster Sir Alan Bates, won the award for best drama performance and the series was honored as best new drama.
Toby Jones picked up one of three awards won by Mr Bates v The Post Office.
Pic: PA
Prior to the NTA event, it was revealed that the series also received the impact award, credited for initiating discussions among “politicians and influencing legislative changes”.
Jo Hamilton, another former subpostmaster, remarked while accepting the impact award, “nothing has changed,” as she stood alongside fellow victims of the scandal.
“I visited Westminster a couple of weeks ago and met the new minister, and believe me, nothing has shifted,” she stated.
“Almost all the individuals behind me have not yet received payment. Out of the cohort of 555, more than 300 still await compensation.”
Strictly Come Dancing picked up its ninth award in a row for the NTA’s best talent show.
Pic: PA
Strictly’s success amidst controversy
In a parallel development, Strictly Come Dancing garnered the award for best talent show for the ninth consecutive year, despite facing scrutiny over allegations of inappropriate conduct behind the scenes.
BBC chief Tim Davie expressed in July his trust in the new welfare protocols implemented for the upcoming series, which include welfare producers and chaperones being present at all rehearsals.
Former dancers Graziano Di Prima – who mentioned his profound regret for the incidents but noted there were “elements” he was unable to discuss – and Giovanni Pernice – who has categorically refuted claims regarding his actions – have departed from the show, with an investigation by the BBC currently underway.
Garraway recognized for Draper documentary
Other notable winners on Wednesday included Good Morning Britain personality Kate Garraway, who clinched her third award in the best-authored documentary category for her series about her late husband Derek Draper.
Kate Garraway won best authored documentary for a programme about her late husband Derek Draper.
Pic: PA
The series – Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story – documented the last year of Mr. Draper’s life before he passed away in January at the age of 56 due to COVID-19 complications.
A one-time political lobbyist and psychotherapist, he was recognized as one of the UK’s most prolonged COVID-19 patients after his initial hospitalization in March 2020.
Ms. Garraway expressed her surprise at receiving the award, stating: “I truly did not anticipate” this recognition, adding, “It’s quite surreal to be here – this is for you Derek, without a doubt.”
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Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly also achieved a milestone with another victory in the best TV presenter category – marking their 23rd consecutive win at the NTA.
They also received the Bruce Forsyth entertainment award for their hosting of the reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
