Ashley James led the glamour on the red carpet at the National Television Awards as television’s biggest names gathered at London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday evening.
The This Morning star, 39, made a striking entrance in a black Karen Millen gown, completing the look with a dramatic white shawl as she posed for photographers ahead of the ceremony.
Rochelle Humes chose an elegant backless off-white dress for the occasion, arriving alongside her husband, JLS singer Marvin Humes. Charlotte Crosby opted for a sparkling lilac fishtail gown, while TOWIE star Amy Childs wore a green dress featuring a thigh-high split and embellished corset.
Joey Essex kept things more understated in a black outfit, while Love Island star Priya Jaswal made her red-carpet debut after leaving the villa this summer in a glittering thigh-high dress.
Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks were among the first arrivals, returning to host the NTA red carpet for a third consecutive year. The pair were confirmed as the official red-carpet presenters by the awards organisers.
Barney Walsh, the son of television presenter Bradley Walsh, appeared in a black tuxedo, while the Hawkstone Farmers Choir arrived fresh from their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent. The cast of Casualty also posed outside the venue as the medical drama marked its 40th anniversary year.
The 31st National Television Awards are being hosted by comedian Joel Dommett for the sixth consecutive year, with the ceremony due to be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX from 8pm. The event is taking place at the O2 Arena on Tuesday 8 September 2026. ([nationaltvawards.com](https://www.nationaltvawards.com/terms))
National Television Awards feature historic all-female drama shortlist
This year’s ceremony has already made television history, with the Drama Performance category featuring its first all-female shortlist.
Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones is nominated for her role in the Netflix thriller Run Away, alongside Sheridan Smith for I Fought The Law, Vicky McClure for Trigger Point, Ella Bruccoleri for The Other Bennet Sister and Judy Parfitt for Call the Midwife.
There is also a new Reality Docuseries category, in which Stacey & Joe, Clarkson’s Farm, At Home With The Furys, Fletchers’ Family Farm and Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing are competing.
Ant and Dec are seeking to reclaim the TV Presenter award after Gary Lineker ended their long run of victories at last year’s ceremony. They face Sir David Attenborough, Alison Hammond, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon.
Other closely watched contests include Reality Competition, where I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, its South African spin-off, The Traitors, The Celebrity Traitors and Race Across the World are shortlisted.
EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Casualty are competing for Serial Drama, while Strictly Come Dancing and Britain’s Got Talent face The Great British Bake Off, The Great Pottery Throw Down and The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer in the Talent Show category.
