A-list award show afterparties are known for their wild atmosphere, but this year’s National Television Awards saw celebrities behaving impeccably. Following the event where unexpected winners like Gary Lineker and Molly-Mae Hague were honored, I joined the star-studded crowd heading to the exclusive after party.
However, some notable names opted out of the festivities, such as Maura Higgins and Danny Jones, who seemed to have sworn off afterparties after a scandal at the BRIT Awards earlier in the year. They were not alone in their absence, as Molly-Mae, Olivia Attwood, Ben Shepherd, Helen Flanagan, Maya Jama, and several others decided to call it a night after the main event.
For those who did attend, strict entry requirements were in place for the notoriously private affair, with a ticket to the awards show not being sufficient for entry. Guests queued up before reaching the well-guarded doors, where they exchanged their afterparty tickets for satin wristbands before gaining access.
Inside, a variety of drinks including prosecco, wine, and beer were available at multiple bars, all complimentary for the attendees. Food was also plentiful, with waiters circulating the room with trays of canapes before serving dishes like fish and chips, chicken burgers, and assorted boxed meals.
Contrary to past NTA afterparties known for their drama and tension, this year’s event had a surprisingly calm ambiance. Industry veterans mingled comfortably, with soap stars like Bobby Brazier engaging with guests.
Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks maintained a low-key presence near the bar, interacting politely with others but refraining from excessive drinking. Throughout the evening, Sam noticeably exchanged glances with his former partner Samie Elishi. Love Island newcomers stuck together, with some looking overwhelmed as they navigated their first afterparty experience.
As the party wound down around 2 am, many guests had already left an hour earlier, opting for an early night.