It was a night of glitz and glamour as stars from television and film across the region were recognised for their “excellent” work over the last year at a major awards ceremony.
From news presenters to the production crew of ITV Vera, big names were handed awards as the Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards returned for 2022.
Held at the Hilton hotel on Gateshead’s quayside on Saturday 26th February, hundreds of visitors attended to see which stars had made the cut in this year’s round.
The prestigious awards had taken a break after the Covid pandemic, with stars last housed under the same roof back in 2019.
As the event got underway Will Nicholson, RTS North East & Border Centre Chair, described talent, new and existing, from right across the North East.
He said: “The past two years has been incredibly challenging for all of us. I am extremely proud of the creative and emotional tenacity shown by the region’s creative industries. There are some incredible opportunities on the horizon.”
A panel made up of more than 40 media professionals, from broadcasters and production companies across the UK, were tasked with judging the huge volume of entries submitted which covered an extended period due to the impact of the pandemic.
The ceremony included a performance by Kema Kay, a former student of Excelsior Academy in Newcastle, and began working with New Writing North in 2017. As an early career rapper and actor, he performed across the county and starred in the critically acclaimed film, ‘I, Daniel Blake’.
In addition, a number of student successes were celebrated with the Universities of Newcastle, Sunderland, Teesside and Cumbria all being recognised by judges.
Will Nicholson, North East & Border Centre Chair, added: “This year’s awards ceremony has demonstrated the immense skill, talent and imagination that makes the North East and Border region so ideally placed to invest and inspire future generations.”
Source: Northern Echo
