Sir Lenny Henry was all smiles as he attended the inaugural Sky Arts Awards alongside his partner, Lisa Makin. The celebrated actor and comedian was present at the event to bestow the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sir Lenny Henry, 66, was all smiles as he attended the inaugural Sky Arts Awards with his partner, Lisa Makin, to present the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The comedian stepped out for the ceremony, held at Camden’s Roundhouse on Tuesday, to honor broadcasting legend Melvyn Bragg. Lenny looked sharp for the event, donning a green velvet suit paired with a black shirt, while mingling with other notable attendees.
Lisa Makin, a Broadway casting director, exuded glamour in a white oversized suit paired with a sparkly black knitted blouse and a matching scarf. Melvyn Bragg, 84, delivered an emotional speech upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Lenny and the Sky Arts jury, remarking, “Now I need to sit down before I burst into tears.”
Melvyn Bragg expressed his deep gratitude during his acceptance speech, stating, “To tell you the truth, I’m overwhelmed, that’s what I am. It’s been nothing but a pleasure, nothing. I couldn’t have dreamt of a life so fulfilling.” Reflecting on the diversity and talent present, he added, “I couldn’t have imagined, when I was younger, having so many artists from different parts of the culture in one room, representing themselves as one of the great forces and blossoms of this country.” He concluded emotionally, “Thank you, all of you very much. Now I’m going to sit down before I burst into tears.”
The ceremony featured remarkable performances, including The Darkness delivering a rendition of their hit “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” alongside Jim Moir, aka Vic Reeves. Earlier, Slash and Brian Johnson performed together, while Joe Lycett entertained with his quirky ensembles as host.
Other highlights included a performance from Welsh rapper Rem, known for his politically charged lyrics, a dance number from Boy Blue, and a mix of opera and pop music.
The event attracted stars like Myleene Klass, Carol Vorderman, and Anita Rani, who brought elegance to the pink carpet at The Roundhouse.
Myleene Klass, 46, dazzled in a bronze sequin disc corset dress, which featured a sheer floor-length skirt that highlighted her legs. Carol Vorderman, 63, showcased her hourglass figure in a slinky gold dress paired with leopard print heels. Meanwhile, Anita Rani, 46, opted for a bold, bra-less look in a plunging silver mini-dress, accessorized with black peep-toe heels and silver drop earrings.
Also attending was Angela Scanlon, 40, who brought a wild touch to the event in cheetah print trousers as she graced the pink carpet. Munya Chawawa, Beverley Knight, and David Morrissey were among the other notable attendees.
The Sky Arts Awards, an annual celebration of British and Irish arts and culture, honor significant contributions across 11 art forms: Classical Music, Comedy, Dance, Film, Literature, Opera, Poetry, Popular Music, Theater, TV, and Visual Arts. The evening also featured a series of musical and artistic performances.
Carol Vorderman recently addressed critics of her Botox use, stating that “everyone on TV” gets it done and emphasizing her unapologetic attitude towards aging. Speaking about the criticism she faces, she shared, “I look the way I do because it makes me happy,” adding that she has adopted a “no f***s given” approach to life as she ages.
Referencing David Bowie’s perspective on growing older, she remarked, “You become the person you always should have been,” and expressed that her sixties are the age she feels most comfortable in. Despite receiving significant abuse over her appearance, Carol said, “I don’t give a monkey’s. Actually, it spurs me on.”
In addition, she clarified that she has never undergone a breast augmentation, attributing her increase in cup size to menopause.