The 2010 National Television Awards were shown on ITV1 and proved a ratings winner. Normally held at the Royal Albert Hall, the 15th Awards were this year held at the O2 Arena in Greenwich (formerly The Dome). This vast space, capable of holding around 16,000 people, has been voted the best entertainment venue in the world.

Hosted by X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary, the award winners are chosen by popular vote from members of the public. The dominance of The X Factor and Britian’s Got Talent was shown by Simon Cowell’s glowering presence in the front row with fellow judges Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue. In addition, the ‘entertainment’ was provided by X Factor winner Joe McElderry and runners up, twins John and Edward Grimes known as Jedward.

Moving on to the actual awards, David Tennant deservedly won for outstanding drama performance for Dr Who and the show also won the most popular drama award. Cheers all round! The most popular comedy show was won by Gavin And Stacey and most popular serial drama was Coronation Street, now in its 50th year. The most popular entertainment programme was won by Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and the Geordie duo (well known for announcing Susan Boyle on Britain’s Got Talent), also won best popular entertainment presenter for the 9th year running. How dull is that – Michael McIntyre should have won!

Which show won the most popular talent show? Well, Mr Cowell wasn’t in the front row for nothing so he came up to receive the award for The X Factor. The best performance in a serial drama was won by Lacey Turner from EastEnders and the best newcomer was Craig Gazey from Coronation Street. The most popular factual programme award was given to The Loose Women, a collection of C List women who sit around and chat on day-time telly.

The star travel documentary was won by Stephen Fry for Stephen Fry In America. But Mr Fry had an extra surprise coming up. At the end of the proceedings, a special recognition award is given out. The former host of University Challenge, Bamber Gascoigne, came on set. And without naming a name, said how this person almost fluffed his first appearance on television. Later he made a name for himself as a comedian, documentary presenter, writer and erudite quiz show host. It was of course, Stephen Fry.

Mr Fry first appeared on television as a Cambridge undergraduate on University Challenge and nearly forgot the answer to a question even though he had buzzed. Later on he started writing and appearing in comic sketches with Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, Ben Elton and other comedians from his undergraduate days.

He teamed up with Hugh Laurie for the series A Bit of Fry and Laurie. These days he is most famous for presenting QI, a general knowledge quiz, and for his documentary work (as well as being a great Twitter fan).

The tribute montage included eulogies from Jo Brand, Alan Davis and Hugh Laurie. When Stephen came up to accept his award, it was clear he had no inkling he was receiving it and he made a moving speech. A fitting end to a fun evening.