Downton Abbey triumphs at TVChoice Awards

5 September 2016

'Downton Abbey' won the Best Drama Series prize at the TVChoice Awards 2016.

Downton Abbey

The drama celebrated its final season by picking up the coveted award for the very first time at a ceremony at The Dorchester hotel in London on Monday (05.09.16).

'Doctor Foster' was named Best New Drama, beating off tough competition from 'War & Peace' and 'The Night Manager'.

ITV's 'Emmerdale' won the battle of the soaps by being crowned Best Soap, with star Danny Miller winning Best Actor, but 'Coronation Street' and 'EastEnders' also won acting accolades.

'EastEnders' Lacey Turner was named Best Actress while 'Corrie' star Shayne Ward took home the Best Newcomer prize.

'Birds Of A Feather', won the Best Comedy gong, having previously lifted the trophy back in 1999 while 'Game Of Thrones' was awarded the Best International Show prize.

Dame Barbara Windsor - who recently bowed out as 'EastEnders' landlady Peggy Mitchell after over 20 years - received the Outstanding Contribution to Television award, which was presented by Paul O'Grady.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted to receive the Outstanding Contribution To Television Award. It is such an honour to be recognised by TV Choice and it had not been something I ever expected to receive so I am extremely grateful. I have been in the business for over 66 years and I have been fortunate to have been involved in some truly outstanding productions that all mean so much to me, so to know that they also mean a lot to the audience is extremely touching.

"Everyone knows how much love I have for 'EastEnders' and that show has played such a pivotal part in my career, without it I may not be receiving this award. Although Peggy may no longer be with us, she and the show will never leave my heart."

TVChoice Awards 2016 Winners

Best New Drama: 'Doctor Foster', BBC One

Best Drama Series: 'Downton Abbey', ITV

Best Actor: Tom Hiddleston, 'The Night Manager', BBC One

Best Actress: Sarah Lancashire, 'Happy Valley', BBC One

Best Family Drama: 'Call The Midwife', BBC One

Best Reality Show: 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!', ITV

Best Talent Show: 'The Great British Bake Off', BBC One

Best Entertainment Show: 'Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway', ITV

Best Lifestyle Show: 'Gogglebox', Channel 4

Best Daytime Show: 'This Morning', ITV

Best Food Show: 'Sunday Brunch', Channel 4