Maura Higgins was among the celebrities spotted leaving the National Television Awards alone after a brief, awkward on-stage reunion with Danny Jones when I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! collected the award for Best Reality Competition.
The pair, who were at the centre of headlines earlier this year after reports said they shared a kiss at a BRIT Awards afterparty, appeared on stage together to accept the prize at the O2 Arena. Hours later, many attendees abandoned red-carpet glamour for a more low-key exit, piling into taxis and picking up takeaways outside the venue.
Reports in February said Jones, a member of McFly, was pictured close to Higgins at a Universal Records party and that the pair had continued their night into the early hours. Those reports also said Jones's marriage to model Georgia was affected; neither Jones nor Higgins had been photographed attending the same events until Wednesday's awards. The NTAs appearance saw them briefly share a stage as winners accepted the show's gong.
Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon offered a contrast to the evening's formal looks when she was photographed leaving the ceremony in a yellow jumper and leopard-print trousers, carrying a large Wingstop bag. Other stars were also seen trading heels and gowns for casual clothes and takeaway containers as they made their way home.
The awards night, hosted by Joel Dommett to mark the NTAs' 30th anniversary and broadcast on ITV1, produced several notable wins. Gary Lineker ended a long run of victories for Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly by taking the Best Presenter award. Lineker, who stepped down from presenting Match of the Day earlier this year after controversy surrounding a social media post, used his acceptance speech to comment on speaking up for those without a voice.
"I think it demonstrates that perhaps it's OK sometimes to use our platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice," he told the NTAs crowd. Lineker's final Match of the Day aired in May after he apologised for a post that included material some regarded as offensive.
This Morning won Best Daytime, a return to form two years after a public defeat, marking a first NTA victory for new hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. EastEnders won Best Serial Drama, while Strictly Come Dancing secured Best Talent Show despite the series being affected by off-screen controversies and recording schedules that prevented presenters and judges from attending to collect the award.
Other winners included Michael McIntyre, who received the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award for Michael McIntyre's Big Show, and Molly-Mae Hague, who won for Authored Documentary. Gavin & Stacey took Best Comedy after returning for a finale at Christmas, and Clarkson's Farm was named Factual Entertainment winner. Netflix's Adolescence was awarded Best New Drama, and its young lead Owen Cooper won Best Drama Performance for his portrayal of Jamie Miller.
Organisers said winners were chosen by public vote. The event combined industry recognition with the post-ceremony socialising typical of awards season; while the red carpet highlighted formal attire and staged photographs, the departures captured a more informal side as celebrities left the O2 Arena to head home, collect food and climb into waiting taxis.