John Robins revealing his struggles with alcohol addiction was named radio’s ‘moment of the year’ at the Aria Awards last night.

The comedian took the accolade at the radio industry’s biggest bash after revealing how he finally recovered from his reliance on drink on doctor’s orders.

On the Radio 5 podcast series How Do You Cope?, which he co-hosts with Elis James, Robins said his motivation to change his ways was the ‘opposite of a lightbulb moment’.

He explained: It was like the last light got switched off and I was like "I am totally done. I can't do this on my own and I'm completely lost." I just had nothing left - there was nowhere I could go because I got myself in such a state.’

Speaking on the show last summer, Robins also said a 12-step recovery programme weaned him off alcohol.

Last night’s award, sponsored by Radio Times, was the only one chosen by listeners. The comedian tweeted last night: 'Thank you so much to everyone who voted for us and those who have contacted us about their own sober journey. It’s a privilege to broadcast with my friend every week.’

Elsewhere, Laura Smyth scooped the comedy award for her Radio 4 show I Don't Know What To Say, which addressed her breast cancer diagnosis and people’s responses to grief.

Silver went to Jon Holmes’s satirical audio mash-up programme The Skewer with bronze going to Where There's A Will, There's A Wake with Kathy Burke.

James Acaster’s Springleaf, based on his about undercover cop turned stand-up persona, won bronze in the new podcast category. 

Steve Coogan took the bronze in the audiobook category for Alan Partridge: Big Beacon, in which his alter-ego left his old life in Norfolk to set up home in a dilapidated lighthouse in Kent.

Holmes also won the gold Aria award for best single factual programme for his File On 4 documentary Generation Shame, in which he investigated whether he was one of the tens of thousands of babies of unmarried mothers who were put up for adoption by force.

Radio trailblazer Annie Nightingale was honoured with the Pioneer Award posthumously for her contribution to the industry, while a tribute to the late Steve Wright included a performance by  Wet Wet Wet’s Marti Pellow