Baftas prove to be a washout

The British TV Baftas proved a major wash-out tonight as torrential rain ruined the red carpet.

The stars had dressed up in their most glamorous outfits for one of the glitziest nights in the showbiz calendar.

But they were left squelching their way through an inch of soap suds outside the Grosvenor House hotel in central London after the heavens opened.

Hours of rain turned the freshly-shampooed carpet into a foamy mess – just as it did for the film Baftas two years ago.

On that occasion, actress Kate Winslet famously threw a showbiz strop when the soap drenched the hem of her designer dress.

There was no such diva-like behaviour from Britain’s small screen stars tonight.

They smiled through the rain despite having to shelter under the most unglamorous of accessories – a see-through plastic umbrella.

Tamzin Outhwaite, Zoe Lucker, Ray Winstone, David Jason, Alex Best, Ricky Gervais and Barbara Windsor were among the stars at the ceremony.

“This is the wettest awards ceremony I have ever been to but I’m still glad to be here,” David Jason said.

Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson joked: “This is like Manchester blinking weather.”

Sex and the City hunk Chris Noth, presenting an award tonight, said: “I love England, especially English tea, and I’m having a great time over here. I don’t mind the rain, it helps me sleep better.”

Holby City star Tina Hobley was determined to show off her tan despite the downpour.

She turned up in a tiny green miniskirt by Dolce & Gabbana and flimsy black top.

Footballers’ Wives star Zoe Lucker wore a grey beaded gown by designer Eavis and Brown, while Alex Best wore a slinky black dress.