National Television Awards 2019 highlights: From Danny Dyer's 'f***ing emotional' speech to Ken and Lily's double act

The National Television Awards took place on Tuesday evening, with the BBC’s Bodyguard emerging with two trophies – including one for lead actor Richard Madden.

Madden won the award for best drama performance, while the show itself, which premiered in August 2018, was crowned in the new drama category.

Bodyguard has earned critical acclaim, but the two nods are a sign of popular recognition, as the National Television Awards are attributed based on viewers’ votes.

The night also saw Danny Dyer win the special drama performance award. The EastEnders star shared words of support for children living in poverty in his acceptance speech, before dedicating his award to playwright Harold Pinter.

“He believed in me when no one else did,” Dyer said.

The actor was visibly moved during his speech, which he acknowledged by saying: “Getting f****** emotional, I don’t know what’s the matter with me. F***’s sake.”

Despite several technical issues, such as audio problems when the nomination clips were playing, the awards ceremony experienced some touching highlights.

One of those highlights came courtesy of four-year-old Lily and her 87-year-old "best friend" Ken Pidcock, whom she met on the Channel 4 programme Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.

Pidcock and Lily presented an award together, stealing the show for a few minutes and earning many comments from touched social media users who celebrated their bond.

"Ken and Lily presenting an NTA has made my whole year," one person wrote.

"No I'm definitely not crying at Ken and Lily... It's just so sweet to see them having found such a lovely friendship AND having the amazing opportunity to present an award," another person wrote.

Emmerdale actor James Moore won the newcomer award for his role as Ryan Stocks, Charity Dingle's estranged son.

Stocks has cerebral palsy, as does Moore.

Peaky Blinders beat several strong contenders, including Doctor Who, for best drama.

TV presenters Ant and Dec – Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly – didn't break their longtime winning streak in the TV presenter category. They had been nominated as a duo even despite McPartlin's absence from TV screens following a drink-drive incident.

You can see a full list of the night's winner here.