...but she's not there to collect it

The programme been fellow nominees Ugly Betty, My Family and Harry Hill's TV Burp in the public vote.

Tate was not at the ceremony, so Life on Mars actor Philip Glenister picked up the award on her behalf.

The award was presented by Matt Lucas and David Walliams dressed as Lou and Andy – but each taking the opposite role to usual.

In May, Tate complained that award ceremonies were unfair, after losing out on a Bafta for a third time, when cameras appeared to capture her shock at not winning. She said: ‘I don't like to use the word fixed but it should be fair,. Only 10 people vote but have they asked the nation? I've lost three times.’

However, the National Television Awards are decided by a viewers’ vote, rather than a panel of industry experts.

Ant and Dec were the big winners last night, collecting three awards despite the recent phone-in scandal that hit their Saturday Night Takeaway show.

Published: 1 Nov 2007