Royles do the double at TV awards

The Royle Family has won both comedy prizes at the National TV awards.

It was named most popular comedy programme and its star, Ricky Tomlinson, most popular comedy performer.

He said: "I want to be serious for 10 seconds and thank you so much. I feel so proud and privileged."

Winners are decided by viewers' votes.

And in other categories, Ant and Dec won most popular entertainment presenter while troubled Michael Barrymore won an award for most popular entertainment programme. He was not at the ceremony to collect his award.

Host Trevor McDonald read out a statement from him, saying: "In view of recent events and the death of my mother I do not feel on this occasion I can attend the awards."

And Des O'Connor was given a special achievement award to honour his 40 years in the industry.

Published: 23 Oct 2001