Strictly’s Johannes Radebe and John Whaite, Tom Daley and Steps win big at the British LGBT Awards 2022

Virgin Radio

24 Jun 2022, 21:58

It was a big night for LGBTQ+ talent at the British LGBT Awards in London. 

Tonight (Friday 24th June), names from across TV, music and business were recognised at the annual event, hosted by telly favourite Sue Perkins. 

Strictly Come Dancing runners-up Johannes Radebe and John Whaite were handed the Media Moment of the Year prize by judge Shirley Ballas, having been the first male same-sex couple on the show and dedicating their couples’ choice semi-final performance to what it was like growing up gay.

Speaking to virginradio.co.uk while on the red carpet, John explained why he believes awards that recognise LGBTQ+ talent are still very much needed today.

He said: "It recognises the fight that we continue to have, not just the people who are up for the awards, but everyone here tonight, our community in general. The homeless kids on the street who are kicked out because they're queer. It represents that fight that we have to continue fighting for. We have to keep saying our rights can't be taken away from us."

Olympian Tom Daley picked up the Sports Personality of the Year award, having been a force for activism and LGBT+ inclusion within the athletics field.

Tom told virginradio.co.uk backstage: "It's always an honour to win an LGBT award and Sports Personality, it's super exciting. After the year that I had last year with the sport, and I think it's just now more than ever, it's just so important that people are visible and proud to be who they are.

"I'd like to see other footballers and other athletes coming out and being proud of who they are and doing well in that as well, I think is it's really powerful for younger kids."

Another sporting icon, Dame Kelly Holmes, was a surprise presenter on the night for the Celebrity Award, won by Lady Gaga, having just broken her 34-year silence to tell the world she's openly gay.

Pop legends Steps were awarded with the Music Artist of the Year gong at the ceremony, and comic Julian Clary handed TV personality and host Rylan Clark a Broadcaster of the Year prize. 

Speaking about their loyal LGBTQ+ following since the start of their career, Steps singer Claire Richards told virginradio.co.uk: "From day one to up till now, it's absolutely everything. I think if we hadn't been embraced the way we had, that we wouldn't still be here today."

Presenter Rylan was overjoyed with his prize, adding: "I'm very, very, very honoured. For me personally, it's been quite a tough year. So on a personal level, and from a professional level, to go home with something like this tonight is a real hoot."

Vogue director Edward Enninful landed the Global Media Trailblazer Award, while musician extraordinaire Alicia Keys won the Celebrity Ally prize. 

Speaking about his win on stage, Enninfull said: “I am so honoured to be part of the 2022 LGBT Awards, especially as the UK celebrates 50 years of pride. Growing up as a young, black gay man in West London, I could only have imagined the day when events like this would celebrate people like me, and the other incredible trailblazers recognised tonight. My hope is that we all continue to push for positive change for the next generation."

Alicia, who accepted her gong via video link, said: “On a personal level, I’m honoured to accept this award tonight.

“I’ve been blessed to know all kinds of people since I was a little girl and fortunately exposed to the beauty and richness of diversity. That’s all colours, all religions, all styles, all beliefs, all loves, all people.

“You’ll never be alone and we have to show each other we’re all here for each other, let’s scream at the top of our lungs everyone deserves love, kindness, equanimity and most of all respect! Period, end of story.”

Radio DJ Adele Roberts  won the Role Model of the Year prize following her brave fight back against bowel cancer.

Elsewhere, Rishi Madlani from Natwest was presented with an Inspirational Leader prize while Lego Group were honoured with a Best Brand or Marketing Campaign award.

British LBGT Awards 2022 - winners list 

FUTURE LEADER

Kim Warren

ONLINE INFLUENCER

Jamie Raines

NETWORK GROUP OR ERG

Legal & General

GLOBAL MEDIA TRAILBLAZER

Edward Enninful

BRAND OR MARKETING CAMPAIGN

LEGO

MUSIC ARTIST

STEPS

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO LGBT+ LIFE

Juno Dawson/ Abbey Kiwanuka

LGBT+ CELEBRITY

Lady Gaga

BUSINESS ALLY

Laura Yeates

CHARITY OR COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

LGBT Foundation

MEDIA MOMENT

Strictly Come Dancing - Johannes and  John

DIVERSITY HERO

Kevin Humphreys

SPORTS PERSONALITY

Tom Daley

INSPIRATIONAL LEADER

Rishi Madlani

CELEBRITY ALLY

Alicia Keys

INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER

Barclays

BROADCASTER, JOURNALIST OR HOST

Rylan Clark

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR

Adele Roberts

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Stonewall