Bafta TV awards host Graham Norton sparkles in sun on red carpet

Bafta TV awards host Graham Norton braved the London heat and kicked off the red carpet in style, wearing a suit adorned with sparkly beads.

The British Academy TV Awards will see the likes of Idris Elba and Mark Rylance going head to head in the leading actor category.

The Big Bang Theory's Kunal Nayyar, Countryfile's Matt Baker and Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood also endured the scorching temperatures in suits to sign autographs for fans at the ceremony on London's Southbank.

Bafta chairwoman Anne Morrison said she will be sending a pointed message to the Government about its upcoming White Paper on the future of the BBC at the event.

Speaking on the red carpet, she said: "What I'm going to be saying in my opening speech is just to celebrate how great British television is and say that the ecology we've evolved seems to be working for us.

"So whatever the future holds - and obviously there has to be change, it's a fast-changing world - just to make sure the quality and excellence we have on show tonight continues into the future."

The Government is expected to publish its White Paper on Thursday

Actress Lesley Manville, who is nominated for best supporting actress for River, said she hoped "we don't get to a point in television where all women look the same".

She praised British TV police dramas for portraying realistic-looking women who "aren't all gorgeous and heavily made up all the time and had Botox that morning".

Manville said she was "sad" to be the sole representative for the BBC drama, which also starred Stellan Skarsgard and Nicola Walker, but "really, really chuffed" with her nomination.

War And Peace star James Norton said he hoped Manville would win the category he is presenting, best supporting actress.

"I've got so much respect (for her) and she's done so much good work," he said.

The Big Bang Theory's Kunal Nayyar revealed he is a huge fan of Luther.

The actor said he would be seeking out Idris Elba for a chat later on in the night after spending his flight over from the US watching the show.

But he knocked back the chance of a cameo.

"I've got to grow a beard and some muscle before that show, I'll stick to The Big Bang Theory," he said.

Poldark's Aidan Turner spoke about his red carpet beard and hairstyle - a ponytail.

He said: "I thought I'd go incognito, but it didn't seem to work. The hair doesn't look good when it's down!"

The hit show is due to return to screens, but no broadcast date has been confirmed.

"I think the writing is good and the acting ain't so shabby," Turner said of the popularity of the series.