Actors and actresses weeping on-stage as they scoop accolades is as much a part of awards shows as red carpets are to celebrity gatherings.
But for Sheridan Smith, the tears began flowing before she even arrived at Wednesday night's National Television Awards - as she learned of her win while she was still stuck in traffic.
As she was named as the winner of the Best Drama Performance trophy, the 33-year-old actress was still en route to London's O2 Arena - and her tardiness left her distraught.
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Emotional moment: Sheridan Smith has revealed that she burst into tears after learning she'd missed her National Television Awards win while stuck in traffic on Wednesday night
After picking up her award, she told reporters backstage: 'Do you know what, I couldn't believe I won when I was in the car.
'I'd been filming since 5 this morning so they would let me go early, and they let me go at four and so I got ready, got in the car, and something's happened, I think. I'm not lying.
'There's definitely something – honestly, something happened. Anyway, there's traffic everywhere. I'm not lying, I was in a cab for three hours.
She's a winner! The actress scooped honours for Best Drama Performance at the star-studded gala
Weeping: While she was able to escape crying on-stage, she eventually shed tears as she went backstage
Seal of approval: Sheridan was particularly moved by the award because it was voted for by the public
'And then I got a phone call going, "Where are you?" And then they said my name and I was in the cab in traffic and I started crying.'
The screen star's absence meant that the show's producer and co-stars had to pick up the coveted prize on her behalf, almost 20 minutes before she finally arrived.
‘I’ve been stuck in a cab for three hours and I’ve got nothing planned,’ she explained to the star-studded audience, adding after thanking people on the show: ‘I’m going to go before I cry or swear.’
Keeping it brief: Sheridan gave the audience a very brief speech when she finally arrived at London's O2
Pride and joy: Sheridan beat the likes of Dame Maggie Smith, Benedict Cumberbatch and Sarah Lancashire for top honours in her category
Celebration: Lincolnshire-born Sheridan hugged host Dermot O'Leary as she picked up her coveted award
Speaking to Heat as soon as she left the stage, Sheridan exclaimed: 'Only I could be such an idiot... I also didn't think I stood a chance. I was like, "It'll be fine."'
Sheridan, who was up against the likes of Dame Maggie Smith, Benedict Cumberbatch and Sarah Lanchashire in her category, added: 'The fact that it's voted for by the public I am so overwhelmed.
'I was about to cry, that's why I got off quickly, and I also felt so embarrassed that I had people waiting.'
Sheridan won acclaim for her portrayal of entertainment icon Cilla Black in the three-part ITV drama, which hit screens in September
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