Paloma Faith and Becky Hill scooped awards at last night’s LGBT+ Awards ceremony (Picture: Getty Images)
Paloma Faith and Becky Hill were just two of the stars who scooped prizes at last night’s LGBT Awards.
In a particularly memorable moment, the late Paul O’Grady’s husband, Andre Portasio, took to the stage to accept a special award from Julian Clary on behalf of the Lily Savage legend, who died in March aged 67.
Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough lead the prize-giving duties at the sparkling awards event in London which – sponsored by Macquarie and Tesco, and supported by Metro – champions leading activists, allies, and celebrity figures working hard to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
Paloma, 41, accepted the LGBT+ advocate award having given vocal support to the campaign for the equality of transgender people, saying she was ‘honoured’ to collect the accolade.
The Can’t Rely on You hitmaker said: ‘It is essential we support the LGBTQ+ community and stand up for those being targeted because of their sexuality.
‘I am deeply honoured to win a British LGBT Award. It really is a highlight of my career. I just hope I can make a little bit of difference using my platform.’
The late Paul O’Grady’s husband accepted an award from Julian Clary in a particularly moving moment (Picture: Getty Images)
Paul O’Grady died in March, and his husband Andre attended the event on his behalf (Picture: Joe Maher/WireImage)
Paloma said she was ‘honoured’ to accept the LGBT+ advocate award (Picture: Getty Images)
Dean McCullough hosted the evening (Picture: Belinda Jiao/Getty Images)
Katherine Ryan and husband Bobby Kootstra attended the event, with the comedian scooping the celebrity award (Picture: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, while singer Becky, 29 – pictured at Capital Jingle Bell Ball in December – was awarded the music artist of the year prize, beating fellow nominees Mika, Yungblud and Cat Burns.
But the most touching moment of the evening came when Andre took to the stage to accept the special award for the late O’Grady.
Before presenting the accolade, Julian paid tribute to the late star, who was set to attend this year’s event to collect the broadcaster of the year award.
Elsewhere, comedian Katherine Ryan won the celebrity award, beating off competition including the likes of Alison Hammond, Michelle Visage, and Emma Watson.
Becky Hill won the prize for music artist of the year (Picture: Getty Images)
Music legend Andy Bell won the lifetime achievement award (Picture: Getty Images)
Bruno Tonioli attended the star-studded event at The Brewery (Picture: Getty Images)
Krystal Versace looked incredible for the event (Picture: Getty Images)
Love Island star Amber Gill also rocked up to the evening (Picture: Getty Images)
Footballer Jake Daniels – who came out as gay in 2021 – was named sports personality of the year.
Erasure frontman Andy Bell also picked up the prestigious lifetime achievement award for his relentless campaigning throughout his long career since the band rose to prominence in the 1980s with hits including A Little Respect.
Commenting on the winners, host Dean, who as well as presenting his flagship Radio 1 show is an LGBTQ+ campaigner, said: ‘It was absolutely fantastic to be a part of the British LGBT Awards and present all of these incredible winners.
‘It was a brilliant night which celebrated the very best of our community.’
British LGBT Awards founder, Sarah Garrett MBE, added: ‘Tonight was a fantastic celebration of the very best of our community and I congratulate all of the winners.
‘The British LGBT Awards has grown to become the most recognisable awards event for LGBT+ people in Britain since we launched eight years ago.
‘We were delighted to be able to honour the people who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing LGBT+ rights. All of the winners and nominees are incredibly deserving.’
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Britain’s biggest LGBTQ+ awards show took place in London last night.
