Russell T Davies dedicates NTA award to AIDS victims as drama It's A Sin scoops best new drama

Credit: PA

The Welsh creator of It's A Sin paid tribute to victims of the AIDS pandemic as the hit drama scooped up a National Television Award.

On stage during the ceremony, Davies dedicated the award to "those we lost, those who lived, those who learned and those we loved" during the Aids crisis.

Mr Davies revealed a TV executive dismissed the hard-hitting programme, which follows a group of young gay men who move to London in the 80s at the beginning of the HIV crisis as "that miserable Aids drama".

The Channel 4 show won the new drama prize at the National Television Awards (NTAs) and has been lauded by critics and audiences.

It stars Olly Alexander and follows a group of young gay men who move to London in the 1980s at the beginning of the HIV/Aids crisis.

It's A Sin was turned down by the BBC and ITV before it was picked up by Channel 4 and Davies said it was his strong belief in the show that stopped him giving up.

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Mr Davies said: "There was one television executive who referred to it as 'that miserable Aids drama'. Where are they tonight? They won't get to lick my trophy!'

Asked how he would celebrate, Davies joked, "I shall go to church and pray".

On stage during the ceremony, Davies dedicated the award to "those we lost, those who lived, those who learned and those we loved" during the Aids crisis.

He said: "It's a drama about Aids on a minority channel about what some people would call a minority subject.

"To win on a big night like tonight with all the big stars out there is astonishing."

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Years & Years singer Alexander, 31, played Ritchie Tozer and has won widespread acclaim for the role.

He said he was delighted the series had added to the conversation around HIV/Aids.

Alexander said: "I feel so lucky to work with Russell, with the team, with the cast."

He added: "I'm just very happy."