Robin Windsor was honoured posthumously, with this ex dance partner Lisa Riley paying tribute (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
Rylan Clark and David Tennant have led the wins at the 2024 British LGBT Awards where late Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor was remembered in an emotional speech by Lisa Riley.
Windsor, who competed on the BBC ballroom show between 2010 and 2013, and was partnered with Lisa in 2012, was reportedly found dead aged 44 in a London hotel room in February.
During the 2024 British LGBT Awards in London this evening, Emmerdale star Lisa paid a touching tribute, as there was a standing ovation for the much-loved performer when his family accepted a Posthumous Award for him.
Lisa spoke about honouring her ‘best friend’, and how it was ‘incredibly important’, saying she hoped to use the event to raise more awareness of mental health.
She added to the BBC: ‘I wish he was here, he should be on my arm covered in sparkles and having a ball, but the energy he had is imprinted on my heart.
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‘He would be shining down and laughing at us. His vibrancy, energy and zest for life was out there for everyone to see.
‘He wasn’t a hidden gay man, he was a proud, proud gay man.’
Lisa spoke about her ‘best friend’ Windsor, who died aged 44 in February (Picture: Getty)
This followed the tributes that had been shared after Windsor’s death by Strictly stars as his loved ones have thanked fans for the ‘outpouring of love and celebration’.
Julian Clary hosted the special 10th Anniversary British LGBT Awards celebration at a star-studded gala in London, where Doctor Who star David and The X Factor icon Rylan were among major winners.
A star-studded crowd including Emma Willis – who reunited with former Big Brother contestant Rylan to present his Celebrity of the Year award – Russell Tovey, Pixie Lott, Adele Roberts, Katherine Ryan and Nicola Adams were in attendance as those with a track record of promoting equality and diversity within the LGBTQ+ community were recognised.
The event was hosted by British comedy legend Julian who opened the evening with an inspired monologue which left audience members howling with laughter, as business leaders and organisations with a track record of promoting LGBTQ+ people and policies as well as equality and diversity were honoured.
Rylan Clark was reunited with Big Brother icon Emma Willis, who presented him with the Celebrity of the Year Award (Picture: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
David Tennant won the LGBT+ Celebrity Ally award for his vocal and ongoing support of the trans community (Picture: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Broadchurch star David won the LGBT+ Celebrity Ally award for his vocal and ongoing support of the trans community, as he was presented his award by fellow advocate and comedian Katherine, who won the award in 2023.
He said: ‘I am honoured to win this award. I am inspired by all of you here tonight.’
Meanwhile, Rylan lifted the Celebrity Ally Award to loud whoops as fellow Big Brother star beamed with pride as she handed over the gong.
Big Brother 2023 winner Jordan Sangha lifted the Media Moment of the Year Award alongside his fellow contestant and boyfriend Henry Southan as the pair were recognised for their on-screen, real-life romance on the revived ITV version of the smash-hit show last year.
Lisa Riley accepted Windsor’s posthumous award (Picture: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Gemma Collins joined partner Rami Malek (Picture: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
And Lianne Sanderson was named Sports Personality of the Year for her continued support of the LGBTQ+ community.
For the final award of the night, Marc Almond, legendary frontman of worldwide 1980s sensation Soft Cell, whose hits include Tainted Love and Where Did Our Love Go?, attended to collect the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
The singer, performer and author, was presented by Being Human, The History Boys and Looking star Russell Tovey.
Elsewhere, Tesco, BT Group, Transport for London (TfL) and Financial Times, among others, won corporate awards.
Soft Cell’s Marc Almond attended to collect the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award (Picture: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Julian Clary hosted the 10th awards ceremony event (Picture: Getty)
Commenting on the winners, host Julian Clary said: ‘It was absolutely fantastic to present the 2024 British LGBT Awards. It was an amazing celebration of our wonderful, diverse and incredible community.
‘As a 10th anniversary celebration, it was loud, proud and inspiring! Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.’
British LGBT Awards founder, Sarah Garrett MBE, said: ‘This was an amazing 10th anniversary celebration of the 2024 British LGBT Awards. Julian Clary was a phenomenal host. We love Julian!
The British LGBT Awards has grown to become the most recognisable awards event for LGBT+ people in Britain since we launched a decade ago.
‘We are delighted to honour those who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing LGBT+ rights, whether in the public eye, behind the scenes or in the face of adversity.
I’m A Celebrity star Adele Roberts joined with her partner Kate Holderness (Picture: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
The Traitors icon Diane Carson looked glamorous in a black gown (Picture: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Katherine Ryan won the LGBT+ Celebrity Ally last year (Picture:Tim P. Whitby)
‘We are all focused on another stunning decade of the British LGBT Awards, celebrating this wonderful community.’
A spokesperson for 2024 British LGBT Award headline partner Tesco added: ‘We are delighted that Tesco is, once again, the headline partner of the British LGBT Awards, standing proud together with inspiring individuals and organisations who are all doing incredible things to continue creating an inclusive world.
‘Tesco will also be supporting 20 Pride events across the country this year, in addition to our all-year-round support for the LGBTQ+ community including our colleagues and customers and LGBTQ+ at Tesco network.
‘A big thank you to everyone involved in this year’s British LGBT Awards ceremony, helping to shine a light on every aspect of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. And huge congratulations to all the worthy nominees, and the winning individuals and organisations.’
Full list of 2024 British LGBT Awards winners:
Posthumous Award – Robin Windsor (accepted by Lisa Riley)
Celebrity Ally – David Tennant
Broadcaster, Journalist and Host – Bruno Tonioli
Music Artist – Cat Burns
LGBT+ Celebrity – Rylan Clark
Media Moment – Jordan Sangha and Henry Southan
Influencer – Charlie Craggs
Sports Personality – Lianne Sanderson
METRO LGBT+ Advocate Award – Scott Mills
Lifetime Achievement – Marc Almond
Trailblazer Award – Laks Mann
Diversity Hero – Zoe Megins-Davies (ARUP)
Inspirational Leader – Jim Ford (AO Shearman)
Future Leader – Amelia Mugridge (Serco) & Jamie Brown (Financial Times)
Community Winner – Proud 2 B Parents
Outstanding Contribution – Sue Sanders (Schools OUT & founder of LGBT History Month in UK)
Business Ally – Adrian Mardell (JLR)
Network Group or ERG – The HSBC UK Pride Employee Network (HSBC UK)
Inclusive Employer or Company – Tesco
Special Mention – Legal & General
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