Stars and scene stealers

The stars of British TV turned out in their finery last night for the annual National Television Awards.

But the plunging necklines and thigh-high skirts of actresses and guests arriving at London's Royal Albert Hall were nothing compared with the barely-there outfit of a model appearing at another show just a few miles away.

Penny Lancaster, girlfriend of Rod Stewart, braved freezing temperatures in a dress guaranteed to keep the flashbulbs popping. The couple were attending a charity preview of the new stage show based on Stewart's songs, Tonight's The Night, at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

Meanwhile, at the Albert Hall, East-Enders proved its popularity by scooping four top gongs, including most popular serial drama at the National Television Awards. The soap's Shane Richie, who plays pub landlord Alfie Moon, beat rival Coronation Street's Brian Capron to be named most popular actor.

'Being the most popular doesn't mean you're the best,' he said. 'One of my heroes is David Jason and I like to think one day I will be as good as David, because to me he's the best.'

In another coup, Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat Slater, took most popular actress. Fighting back tears, she said: 'I really didn't think I'd win.'

EastEnders also took the best newcomer award for Nigel Harman, who plays bad boy Dennis Rickman.

Cheeky Geordies Ant and Dec were triple winners, including most popular entertainment presenters.

The night ended when Tony Blair made a surprise appearance to present veteran news presenter Trevor McDonald, who hosted the show, with a special award for Lifetime Achievement. 'This goes to a man admired and respected by everyone in this country,' he said.