Kate wins it with a smile as UK TV talent honoured at Emmys

Winslet was honoured for her lead actress role in Mildred Pierce, while ITV1’s hit period drama picked up four gongs, including best mini-series and a best supporting actress award for Dame Maggie Smith.

Dressed in a glamorous red gown, an emotional Winslet dedicated the award to her mother, and said: “I didn’t think we were going to win anything.”

The 63rd Primetime Emmys ceremony saw Mad Men win its fourth consecutive best drama series award, while Modern Family claimed its second best comedy trophy.

Downton Abbey, which launched its second series in the UK on Sunday night, was also honoured for its writing and directing, with gongs for Julian Fellowes and Brian Percival.

Fellowes called the success of the show a “David and Goliath story”, and said: “I would like to thank you, the American industry. Ten years ago you kick-started my second career with an Oscar; tonight you have nurtured it.”

Downton Abbey, which also stars Scarborough actresses Penelope Wilton and Joanne Froggatt, is expected to have drawn a massive audience.