Holly Willoughby Black and White Dress Tric Awards

THE National Television Awards kicked off last night with a throng of glam stars walking the red carpet at Wembley's OVO Arena.

Polished celebs from the world of telly glided along the carpet in their finest while twirling for the flashing cameras.

TV legend Holly Willoughby led the glamour at the National Television Awards on Thursday night Credit: Rex

New Love Island host Maya Jama dazzled in a fishtail gown Credit: Rex

Her fellow This Morning star Rochelle Humes was a vision in a monochrome gown featuring a bow detail Credit: Rex

TV and ex Strictly star Oti Mabuse revealed her glamorous new bob haircut and stunning figure in a sheer dress Credit: Rex

Love Island winner Ekin-su Culculoglu was a vision in a plunging gown Credit: Rex

Christine McGuinness flashed plenty of leg in a corset gown

Love Island 2019 star Maura Higgins wore a dramatic white gown with silver cuffs Credit: Rex

Good Morning Britain's Kate Garraway and her daughter Darcy looked gorgeous together dressed in gold and red Credit: Rex

Alison Hammond wowed in black with a matching cape and dramatic hair Credit: Rex

Model and TV presenter Lisa Snowdon shimmered in a plunging gown Credit: Rex

Ex EastEnders actress and Strictly star Rose Ayling-Ellis stunned in green Credit: Rex

New mum and ex Towie star Jess Wright shimmered in a full length ball gown Credit: Rex

Davina McCall stood out in red Credit: Rex

Gemma Owen brought her dad Michael as her date for the night Credit: Rex

There wasn't a nip slip or wardrobe fail in sight, and many wore formal attire as a mark of respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Among the first to arrive at the National Television Awards was This Morning star Holly Willoughby.

Holly, 41, commanded attention in a shoulder-baring black ballgown featuring a billowing skirt.

The mum-of-three showcased bouffant hair and chose not to wear a necklace or bracelets, with only a ring seen on each hand.

Her This Morning co-star Alison Hammond also chose black and teamed her stunning dress with a matching cape and equally dramatic hair.

Pop stars The Wanted, including Jay McGuiness, Max George, Siva Kaneswaran and Nathan Sykes, turned up suited and booted to support their bandmate Tom Parker's powerful documentary which was filmed before his tragic death.

Celebs including Alison Hammond, Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis and TV presenter Graham Norton were also nominated for prizes at the annual industry event.

Most read in TV

But it was Ant and Dec, who had been forced to pull out of the awards after both contracting Covid, who made history again on the night.

They picked up the Best Presenter prize for the 21st year running, and fans insisted fellow nominee Alison was "robbed" of the gong.

Alison later took to the stage along with her colleagues after This Morning won in the Best Daytime Programme category.

Show anchors Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, who were booed by the live audience moments earlier, thanked people for voting them to win for the 12th year in a row before handing Alison the microphone.

Alison said: "Now we all know I should have won an award tonight.

"But you know what, Bradley Walsh, and the legends Ant and Dec are amazing."

Those watching at home spotted that Alison also got huge cheers as she took to the microphone from Holly and Phil.

Meanwhile, Sir Lenny Henry received the special recognition award for his "trailblazing career in UK television" and used his acceptance speech to take a swipe at Holly and Phil.

He said: "The awards ceremony takes so long David Beckham is still outside queuing" in reference to the ex footballer going to see the Queen lying in state - after Holly and Phil skipped the queue last month.

Viewers took the comments as a jibe at Holly and Phil and one Tweeted: "Sir Lenny Henry made a sly dig at Holly And Phil".

"Not Lenny throwing shade at Holly and Phil there nice one Lenny…", said typed.