Posthumous honour: Tony Doyle

The 56-year-old said she was "thrilled" with the award, presented by television and media writers who make up the guild.

She has been rebuilding her public profile recently following the death last year of her husband Bobby, who was her agent and manager.

Their son Robert, who has taken his place in managing Cilla's affairs, accompanied her to the ceremony.

Doyle honour

The late Tony Doyle was honoured for his roles in BBC One's Ballykissangel and ITV's Four Fathers with a posthumous best actor award.

Doyle, who played Brian Quigley in Ballykissangel, died in January shortly before he was due to start work on a new BBC drama, McCready and Daughter.

Collecting the award, his widow Sally said: "Tony would be completely thrilled to be here. Thank you very much indeed."

Justine Waddell won best actress for BBC One's Wives and Daughters, while the adaptation was named best drama series at the awards, compered by BBC media correspondent Nick Higham.

Meanwhile, Chris Tarrant took the title of best performer (non-acting) for ITV's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, and Channel 4's Bremner, Bird and Fortune won best entertainment show.

BBC One's Warriors added to its awards haul by winning best drama series, while Walking With Dinosaurs was best documentary.

Other awards:

Writer's award - Stephen Poliakoff (Shooting The Past, BBC Two).
Radio programme of the year - Late Junction (BBC Radio 3).
Multichannel award - Nick News (Nickelodeon UK).
Best single documentary - The Boer War (BBC Two).
Radio broadcaster - Melvyn Bragg.