Doctor Who triumphs on night of glamour at National Television Awards

Smith, who plays the timelord, won the gong for best Male Drama Performance, while Gillan, who plays his sidekick Amy Pond, picked up the female equivalent.

There was also a victory for ITV1's hit Downton Abbey with the country house show picking up the best Drama award and Coronation Street which won the Serial Drama prize.

Gillan, whose exit was announced recently, told reporters she had enjoyed the "time of my life" on the show.

She said: "I will never have as much fun again."

Her co-star Smith said he had no idea who would replace Gillan when she leaves, but added he was in no hurry to join her in exiting the show.

He said: "I sort of always knew that me and Karen would have slightly different journeys in the show."

He added the show was "bigger than all" of its cast and would have a "life after" he leaves.

Smith also said he was not worried about being typecast by the role of the doctor, saying: "As long as you're worth your salt as an actor you'll be all right."

Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat took to Twitter to congratulate Smith and Gillan, writing: "Mexican wave among all the Who fans please! I'll start."

Coronation Street picked up two of last night's awards compared to one for its BBC rival EastEnders.

Katherine Kelly, who recently left the show, picking up the award for Serial Drama Performance for her role as fiery Becky McDonald and the show won the overall award for best soap.

Its producer Phil Collinson said the show would survive Kelly's exit, saying: "We forge on and we have some amazing stories coming up."

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa picked up the Newcomer award for her performance as Walford's troubled teen Lauren Branning.

Speaking to reporters, Jossa said she could not believe it when she won.

She said: "All I was thinking was 'Don't fall up the stairs"'

The actress said she would only have "a very quick" celebration because she had to be back at work on the soap early the next morning.

There were awards for Celebrity Juice, which picked up the Comedy Panel Show prize, and Ant and Dec.

The Geordie pair are regular winners of the Entertainment Presenter award.

Ant said he was "more nervous this year than ever before" despite having won the award so many times.

He said: "One day the run will come to the end but we're just thrilled it's not today."

The award for the best Talent Show went to The X Factor, while This Morning won the Factual Programme award.

Alan Carr triumphed in the Talk Show category for his show Alan Carr Chatty Man, beating Graham Norton, Jonathan Ross and the ladies from Loose Women.

The comedian, said: "I never win anything. I was ready to do my bitter clap."

Speaking backstage, the funnyman said the secret of his success was giving his guests a drink.

He said: "They do open up with a Lambrini."

Ant and Dec took to the stage for a second time to pick up the award in the Reality Programme category for I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.

They were joined on stage by contestants from the most recent series including Fatima Whitbread, Mark Wright and winner Dougie Poynter.

The programme beat Come Dine With Me, The Apprentice and Wright's former show The Only Way is Essex.

The Outstanding Contribution award went to Take That star and XFactor judge Gary Barlow, who presenter Chris Moyles referred to as the nation's new "sweetheart".

Barlow and fellow judge Tulisa Contostavlos both said they would "love to come back" to the show.

Asked why it was such a big hit, the N-Dubz star said: "I just think everything about the way it works you know, you can never go wrong with voices and singing and everyone always wants to find the next big musician and there are so many unsung stars out there."

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby looked shocked when This Morning was announced as the winner in the Factual Programme category, beating An Idiot Abroad, Top Gear and My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.

Willoughby said she was "genuinely so unbelievably surprised right now".

Hugh Bonneville, star of Downton Abbey, described the programme's win in the Drama category as "absolutely amazing".

The programme came out on top over Dr Who, Merlin and Waterloo Road.

Outnumbered won the award in the Situation Comedy category and Hugh Dennis who stars in the show had a top tip for budding actors.

"If I've got a word of advice for young performers - always work with animals and children," he said.

The Special Recognition award went to Jonathan Ross who was sat next to his wife Jane Goldman in the star studded audience.

A video outlining the career of the presenter and funnyman was played before veteran presenter Bruce Forsyth handed over his gong.

Ross said he was "humbled" to receive the award, adding: "I'm amazed, like so many of you are, that I'm still working."

He then went on to thank his wife who he met 25 years ago, all those who have appeared on his show and all those who have ever watched his show.

The former Radio 2 DJ, whose career on the station ended with the Sachsgate scandal, said he would love to go back to radio.

He said: "I was offered a show last year, a breakfast show, but it was a combination of not necessarily being the right channel for me and a lot of work."

The star added that it was "genuinely touching" to get the award from Sir Bruce and thanked his rival, Graham Norton, for his "generous" praise.

Ross, who said he loved "old style variety acts", said he would like to be a judge on Britain's Got Talent.

He said: "I love Britain's Got Talent, I love all the talent shows on TV. If Cowell ever asked me I would definitely do it if I had the time."