Boos for TV award Tories

When Davids Cameron and Davis took to the stage at the National Television Awards, their bid for the limelight took a turn for the worse.

The Tory leadership candidates were booed when they arose to present the award for most popular drama to BBC1's Doctor Who. A stunned crowd at the Royal Albert Hall greeted them with catcalls as they handed Billie Piper the prize.

"It was a bizarre decision to invite the two Davids," said an insider. "This is a showbiz ceremony, their appearance seemed massively out of key. The audience reacted angrily - they seemed out of place and it looked like a desperate bid for the popular vote."

Mr Cameron did get to reveal his favourite shows: "I love 24," he said. "I can't wait for the next series of Desperate Housewives."

It was a triumphant night for Doctor Who, with Christopher Eccleston, who played the timelord, being named most popular actor, and Piper winning most popular actress for her role as the Doctor's assistant Rose. She thanked Eccleston, and her "lovely boyfriend", Mr E - thought to be former husband Chris Evans.

The rival Davids were not the only politicians on show. Tony Blair made a video appearance to present a special recognition award to Jamie Oliver.

The TV chef had already won the most popular factual programme gong for his Channel 4 series Jamie's School Dinners, in which he exposed the poor quality of school meals.

The Prime Minister said Oliver had made a difference: "It's his love of people, not just his love of food, which marks him out. The chef, 31, won a standing ovation and said: "I had no idea that was coming. My mum and dad knew."

Oliver also told how he had received his black eye: "I woke at 3am and staggered into the bathroom, was half asleep and hit the deck," he said. "I came round covered in claret."

Little Britain won the comedy award - with David Walliams and Matt Lucas sending their mothers up to accept the accolades.