For the past week, the nation has been gripped by the moving storyline of Coronation Street's Hayley Cropper and her controversial assisted suicide.

So last night's National Television Awards marked a decidedly different tone in the world of soaps, as some of Britain's best-loved actors shed the skins of their characters to party 'til the wee hours.

Doctor Who won big, with Matt Smith scooping the Drama Performance award and the series itself coming first in the Drama category, while Ant & Dec picked up the Entertainment Presenter and Landmark awards.

Away from the stellar performances commended on-screen, stars didn't disappoint with an array of covetable outfits on the red carpet.

The strapless, full length gown - that award do staple - was a common theme, but the halterneck dress also made a storming return to form as seen on the likes of model Abbey Clancy and Coronation Street stars Brooke Vincent and Michelle Keegan.

Bold make-up proved a hit, too, as actress Georgia May Foote and Dancing on Ice judge Ashley Roberts embraced a plum lip - indeed, colour seemed to be the order of the night with a number of juicy-hued gowns and suits out in force.