VIDEO: East Lancashire stars shine at National Television Awards (From Lancashire Telegraph)

VIDEO: East Lancashire stars shine at National Television Awards

3:00pm Friday 25th January 2013 in News

EAST Lancashire’s stars of the small screen came out in force for the National Television Awards.

The glitzy awards night saw gongs handed out to actors and programmes chosen by tv audiences.

The best serial drama nod went to Coronation Street for the second year running, beating Eastenders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.

Former Haslingden resident William Roache, who plays street legend Ken Barlow, took to the stage of London’s O2 Arena to accept the award.

He was joined by fellow cast members Antony Cotton, who is from Edenfield, Rossendale, and plays Sean, Burnley-born Malcolm Hebden, who plays newsagent Norris, and Rossendale’s Sam Aston.

Cotton was wearing a black suit by Christian Dior, shirt, tie and cufflinks by Lanvin and Gucci shoes, all courtesy of Selfridges department store.

Colne actress Natalie Gumede was nominated in the best newcomer category, for her portrayal in Corrie of Kirsty, Tyrone’s abusive fiance, but lost out to Eastenders’ David Witts.

Monday night’s double-bill surrounding the couple’s wedding pulled in 10million viewers for the show.

Gumede said on Twitter: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your messages and votes!

“Really overwhelmed by the support you have shown, I'm a lucky girl.”

Former Blackburn schoolgirl Helen Flanagan, joined ex-Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts to collect the gong for best entertainment programme on behalf of I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

Via Twitter, Flanagan, who attended Westholme, said following the bash: “So happy we won.”

ABOVE: Natalie Gumede among the stars on the red carpet

ABOVE: Helen Flanagan speaking at the event