If anyone still believes that red-carpet glamour belongs strictly to twenty-something starlets, the National Television Awards at London’s O2 Arena just permanently closed the curtain on that myth.
Television’s biggest night has always been a high-energy fashion showcase, but this year belonged entirely to the women in their second act. As the cameras flashed and the stars descended on the red carpet, it wasn’t the predictable ballgowns or safe black-tie defaults that captured our attention; it was the sheer, unadulterated confidence of the over-50 style set.
We saw high-voltage metallic dresses, sculptural monochrome dresses, and sheer lace paired with sweeping taffeta trains that brought unfiltered Hollywood drama straight to Greenwich. Teri Hatcher's jewel-encrusted high necklines replacing traditional necklaces, liquid metallics in rich chocolate and silver, and Sally Carman-Duttine's polka-dot chiffons styled with immaculate accessories.
What makes these over-50 fashionistas so compelling to watch is that none of them are trying to look like anyone else. They have spent decades figuring out what works for them, and they know how to command a room of thousands without ever looking uncomfortable.
Grab your post-awards debrief coffee and dive into our definitive edit of the powerhouse women who absolutely aced the red carpet.
Hollywood star Teri Hatcher, 61, brought pure A-list drama to the London stage in a magnificent black floor-length gown designed by royal favourite Jenny Packham. The gown’s clean, cape-inspired shoulders and minimalist body allow the hero feature to shine: a breathtaking, collar-style neckline heavily encrusted with iridescent crystals and multi-coloured gemstones.
Never one to shy away from a grand entrance, Amanda Holden, 55, delivered the ultimate showstopping moment of the night in a dramatic black gown. The bodice features semi-sheer floral lace with built-in boning structure, transitioning into a fitted lace column skirt. But the true headline is the dramatic, voluminous black taffeta overskirt that creates an extravagant train trailing behind her on the carpet.
National treasure Ruth Jones, 59, delivered a masterclass in architectural black-tie dressing, stepping onto the red carpet in a striking full-length gown. Accessorised with a sleek black clutch and understated diamond drop earrings, Ruth looked radiant and comfortable.
Soap icon Kellie Bright, 50, looked dreamily romantic in a floor-skimming ivory pleated chiffon dress infused with subtle silver metallic pinstripes. The gown’s semi-sheer blouson sleeves gather softly at structured long cuffs, offering delicate arm coverage while keeping the silhouette airy and light. Lucy’s look is a sublime demonstration of soft, bohemian-inspired evening glamour.
Emmerdale star and I'm a Celeb icon Lisa Riley celebrated the NTAs in sparkling style, choosing a floor-length metallic silver gown covered in fine plissé pleats. The dress features a flattering V-neckline with flutter sleeves that move gracefully as she walks, gathered into an elegant twisted knot at the centre of her waist. The luminous silver fabric catches the light from every angle, giving her a gorgeous head-to-toe glow. Styled with a matching silver glitter clutch, silver platform sandals, and a dark plum manicure, Lisa looked vibrant, joyful, and utterly radiant.
Clodagh McKenna, 51, brought rich, autumnal warmth to the red carpet in a striking bronze metallic gown. The dress pairs a deep chocolate velvet plunge bodice with semi-sheer, pleated metallic sleeves that drape like a romantic cape around her shoulders. A wide satin belt defines the waist before giving way to a floor-sweeping pleated metallic skirt with subtle sparkle threads.
Accompanying husband Gordon, Tana Ramsay, 52, looked sensational in a charcoal-grey liquid silk dress designed by her close friend Victoria Beckham. The dress - a style Tana loves so much she previously wore it in emerald green for her daughter’s wedding - boasts a soft cowl neck, a gently cinched waist, and a fluid, floor-sweeping skirt that drips with liquid shine.
Coronation Street's Sally Carman-Duttine, 51, chose a sophisticated, dark romantic look featuring a floor-length black sheer dress adorned with tactile velvet polka dots. The dress stands out thanks to its dramatic high collar finished with an oversized pussybow tie, sheer sleeves with ruffled cuffs, and a textured ruffle hemline.
Beloved Emmerdale actress Rebecca Sarker, 51, proved the enduring power of a black lace dress. Her ankle-length dress strikes the perfect balance. The textured lace hugs her frame comfortably before tapering into an asymmetric hemline that showcases classic black pointed shoes. Rebecca proves that sophisticated dark lace is an immortal red-carpet winner.
Casualty star Kirsty Mitchell, 52, turned heads in a mesmerising ice-blue and silver metallic gown that virtually glowed under the venue lights. The liquid texture of the gown offers maximum shimmer without feeling stiff or restricted, giving Kirsty complete freedom of movement.
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