Inside the NTAs: How Ben Shephard supported his ‘work wife’ Cat Deeley, the hot new relationship that set tongues wagging and the celebs that left execs furious… DOLLY BUSBY reveals all the secrets

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If mastering the art of interpreting red carpet events is crucial, then celebrities surely hope that we understand their intended meaning correctly, as they strive to make their latest statement or message resonate strongly.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that sentence like this: Under the spotlight, stars have just about 100 meters to flash their smiles, enthusiastically wave back at the crowd of cameras, and ensure they present an impeccable public image.

The way they carry themselves and with whom they engage in conversation are carefully orchestrated with their public relations teams. Every choice they make paints a unique picture.

Making a solo appearance is rarely accidental; it is a deliberate choice to go alone, indicating that a relationship has ended or changed in some way.

Instead of that brief stroll from the limo serving as a casual moment, it could also serve as an opportunity to publicly display a fresh romance. And as for those celebrities chatting away with the gathered media, it’s likely a safe bet they are seeking a much-needed career resurgence.

While reporting as an entertainment journalist at last night’s National Television Awards, I picked up some fascinating insights about the celebrities in just a short time off-camera.

I observed Cat Deeley exiting her vehicle discreetly just prior to walking the red carpet at London’s 02 Arena, and noticed that she appeared quite anxious.

She commented to the organizer, “It’s quite hectic here,” as she adjusted her expensive, Oscar de la Renta emerald-green dress. Her gaze moved nervously over the row of photographers and journalists eagerly waiting.

Given her startled, distressed expression, Cat’s This Morning co-host Ben Shephard gently and quietly took her hand as a gesture of comfort.

It’s apparent that the event was significant for Cat, according to my source. She understood that all eyes would be on her as she navigated her first red carpet since the breakup. However, the instructions were straightforward: simply smile, and she managed to do so.

In July, it was revealed that the woman, aged 48, decided to separate from her husband, television presenter Patrick Kielty, whom she had been married to for 13 years and with whom she shared two children.

As a die-hard admirer, I’ve often seen Patrick gracing these events, whether it’s on the red carpet or subtly behind the scenes. I had always assumed his presence was a given. Yet, this particular occasion found me standing solo.

‘Ben really knew the assignment and stepped up to support his “work wife”.’

For the remainder of the evening, the cat was nestled behind her 50-year-old colleague’s velvet-covered shoulder, even as they accepted the award for Best Daytime Programme. Despite this, the star of ITV continued to smile modestly, contentedly allowing her fellow team members to take center stage and do most of the speaking.

Veteran industry members might find these occurrences rather tedious. After all, who enjoys spending an hour walking along a red carpet, conversing with various media channels about the exact same topic repeatedly?

For beginners, these events are crucial if they aim to make a mark in the entertainment industry.

Love Island stars have become major figures at premieres and events, as it is essential for them to make appearances if they aspire to maintain a successful career following their six-week stay in a villa in Mallorca.

Last night seemed to be quite challenging for two rising stars on the ITV show: the popular contestants Yasmin Pettet, aged 24, and Jamie Rhodes, 26, who finished third as a couple in the recent public voting a month ago.

If things were different, the National Television Awards could have been an ideal moment for them to rekindle their public presence as a couple. However, it seems they have quietly parted ways instead.

They arrived separately and spoke to no reporters. Was that for fear they’d be found out?

From what I’ve been informed, it seems Yasmin and Jamie weren’t together for most of the night. Instead, Yasmin enjoyed herself socializing in a private space with her close friends from Love Island, Toni Laites and Shakira Khan, along with their respective partners.

Towards the night’s end, Yasmin was spotted guiding Freddie Fraser, aged 21 and from Traitors, towards a dimly lit area at the party’s conclusion.

As a committed member of the EastEnders cast, I, Bobby Brazier, along with my esteemed colleague Aaliyah James, chose to maintain a respectful distance from the bustling red carpet event.

At a lively post-event gathering, it was observed that the 22-year-old son of the late Jade Goody was seen linking arms with 25-year-old Aaliyah. The atmosphere was quite warm and humid.

The report stated that they were clearly strolling together, intertwining their fingers. If there’s any relationship brewing between them, it seems like a well-known fact on EastEnders – given that the set was brimming with EastEnders cast members.

‘Maybe that’s why they felt so comfortable doing it.’

Previously known for his role on Strictly and EastEnders, Brazier shared last night that he is bidding farewell to EastEnders permanently. However, during our conversation, he expressed his sentiment by saying, “The last three months have given me more joy than any other time before.

Might Aaliyah have something to do with this?

Last night was a memorable one for the cast of EastEnders. The stars continued their celebrations long into the night following their win in the category of Best Serial Drama. Notably, Steve McFadden, one of the leads, clinched the Serial Drama Performance award after an impressive 35-year run on the soap opera, portraying Phil Mitchell.

However, contrary to the festive atmosphere at The O2, reports suggest that National Television Awards (NTA) officials were deeply disappointed with the performers and staff of Strictly Come Dancing. It seems they felt slighted by the show’s absence from the event.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman couldn’t make it due to their commitments as hosts for the Strictly Come Dancing launch event.

According to my information, the executives were extremely irritated because the NTAs are held annually on the same date. Despite having this knowledge, Strictly proceeded with scheduling the launch for the very same day.

It seems like everyone up there is laughing because they believe the BBC intentionally set things up this way for Strictly Come Dancing, as it appears to be nervous about winning after the series of scandals it has faced this year, such as Wynne Evans’s inappropriate comment and Amanda Abbington’s bullying allegations.

This past week, I found myself at the heart of an unexpected incident during our initial press conference. When a lady journalist began recording me without my consent, I felt provoked and in a moment of frustration, I involuntarily reached out to retrieve her phone.

Given these circumstances, it might have been prudent for the Strictly team to learn an old-school entertainment technique: they could have taken a moment to stroll along the red carpet, interacting with the British public – in an attempt to revitalize and rebuild the show’s reputation that has been unfortunately diminishing.

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2025-09-11 20:06