DOCTOR WHO - DOCTOR WHO TOPS UK TV AWARDS

DOCTOR WHO TOPS UK TV AWARDS

Sci-fi drama DOCTOR WHO was the big winner at Britain's National Television Awards last night (31OCT06), taking home three trophies. The BBC show was named Most Popular Drama, Most Popular Actor for DAVID TENNANT and Most Popular Actress for BILLIE PIPER at the star-studded ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall. Other big winners on the night included soap opera EASTENDERS, which picked up Most Popular Serial Drama and Most Popular Newcomer for actor CHARLIE CLEMENTS, while presenting duo ANTHONY MCPARTLIN and DECLAN DONNELLY were named Most Popular Entertainment Presenter and Most Popular Quiz Programme for ANT AND DEC'S GAMESHOW MARATHON. BBC car show TOP GEAR also garnered Most Popular Factual Programme, a bittersweet end to the year following presenter RICHARD HAMMOND's hospitalisation in September (06) after a 300 mile(483 kilometre)-per-hour jet car crash. Hammond's co-host JEREMY CLARKSON accepted the award, saying, "I told you if one of us has a car accident we would win this." Other triumphs on the night came for cult comedy LITTLE BRITAIN as Most Popular Comedy Programme and SIMON COWELL's talent show THE X FACTOR was named Most Popular Entertainment Show.