Huge congratulations to David Tennant who was the recipient of a surprise Special Recognition award at tonight’s National Television Awards!

The actor received the prestigious accolade in honour of his contributions to stage and screen and his speech was preceded by a celebratory montage during which familiar faces – including Billie Piper, Russell T Davies and Catherine Tate – paid tribute to their friend and colleague. One of David’s most iconic roles, of course, was as the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who which he originally played from 2005 to 2010.

It turned out to be the only cause for celebration for Doctor Who at the ceremony however. The show itself lost out in the only category in which it was nominated as Downton Abbey was unveiled as the nation’s Best Drama. Commiserations to the cast and crew in Cardiff.

On a brighter note, Doctor Who has been shortlisted in the category every year since its revival back in 2005, out of which it’s won a grand total of 6 times, so it’s not all bad news!