Thaw wins TV awards (with a little reMorse)

JOHN THAW collected two trophies at the National TV Awards - and took the opportunity to apologise to his wife.

The Inspector Morse star, who won most popular actor and a special recognition award, dedicated them to Sheila Hancock, whom he married 25 years ago. "I want to share this with my wife Sheila for the times we've passed on the stairs and I've said, 'I can't talk to you now, I'm working'," said Thaw, 56.

The soap battle was won by Coronation Street, which broke EastEnders' two-year reign to be named most popular serial drama. Collecting the prize for the cast, the Street's longest-serving actor William Roache said: "It is nice to be appreciated by the viewers. Our British viewers have exquisite taste." Michael Barrymore won most popular entertainment presenter for the fourth year running at the ceremony, held in the Royal Albert Hall last night. He was restrained in comparison with last year's rambling speech. "They say in life that you have to stand and be counted," he said. "I'm just happy I'm still standing tonight." Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan's This Morning was most popular daytime programme and the most popular factual entertainment programme was Changing Rooms. Presenter Carol Smillie told the audience: "You're a nation of DIY-ers and you really like to nosy around everyone else's houses. Keep the curtains twitching." Most popular actress was Amanda Burton, of Silent Witness, Jonathan Creek was most popular drama series and Have I Got News For You most popular quiz.

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