Ant and Dec and EastEnders rule National TV Awards

Geordie TV hosts Ant and Dec have scooped the award for Most Popular Entertainment presenters for the tenth year in a row at the National Television Awards.

The famous twosome could not attend the ceremony and Simon Cowell accepted the award on their behalf.

Meanwhile, Cowell's X Factor took home the gong for Most Popular Talent Show, after nearly 20 million viewers tuned in for last year's series finale.

However, backstage at the event Cowell and fellow judge Cheryl Cole remained tight-lipped over the US X Factor judging panel, saying that an announcement would be made shortly.

The cast of EastEnders were in high spirits after winning Best Serial and said of rival Coronation Street: "They had a great year, they put some great episodes together, they really pushed it and they lost. Sorry!"

Cheryl Cole was the talk of the red carpet, flashing her new tattoo in cut-out low back dress.