The series was handed the honour at the annual prizegiving, which recognises the best of British films, TV, music, literature and dance, while funnymen Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon won the TV Comedy prize for their series The Trip to Italy.

Scarlett Johansson's dark movie Under The Skin was beaten in the film category by British gay rights story Pride, and awards season favourite Sam Smith lost the Pop category to FKA Twigs for her album LP1.

Luke Pasqualino took home the Breakthrough award, historical play King Charles III won the Theatre prize, neurosurgeon Henry Marsh was honoured with the Literature award for his memoir Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery.

Artists Paul Cummins and Tom Piper were recognised for their poppy art installation at the Tower of London, which commemorated the British servicemen who died in World War I.

French ballet dancer Sylvie Guillem was also honoured with the Outstanding Achievement award at the ceremony, which was held at the Savoy Hotel. The show will be broadcast in the U.K. on Wednesday (10Jun15).