Ferne McCann and Kara Tointon Stun in Black at Star-Studded Olivier Awards Afterparty in Natural History Museum

Ferne McCann and Kara Tointon Shine at Olivier Awards Afterparty
(Images: Ferne in a sequin gown; Kara in a rose-design dress; Billy Porter in a bold suit)

Stars dazzled at the Olivier Awards afterparty on Sunday, held at London’s Natural History Museum. Former TOWIE star Ferne McCann, 34, stunned in a black sequin floor-length gown with a red-lined sweetheart neckline, accessorized with a red choker and sleek heels. Meanwhile, EastEnders actress Kara Tointon, 41, opted for elegance in a black midi dress adorned with a rose motif, paired with sheer tights and slingback pumps.

Marisha Wallace turned heads in a vibrant red gown and matching gloves, while Beverley Knight mixed casual and chic with a black mini dress and white sneakers. Francesca Moody stood out in a shimmering blue high-neck dress, and Dame Arlene Phillips radiated sophistication in a black ensemble with a bedazzled cropped jacket. Layton Williams brought avant-garde flair in an oversized-pocket white co-ord, and host Billy Porter stole the spotlight in a metallic dogtooth-patterned suit.

Awards Show Highlights
(Images: Imelda Staunton; John Lithgow as Roald Dahl)

Hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter at the Royal Albert Hall, the 2025 Olivier Awards celebrated West End excellence. The Best Actor category saw Hollywood heavyweights Adrien Brody (The Fear of 13), John Lithgow (Giant), and Billy Crudup competing against Brits Mark Strong and Paapa Essiedu.

In Best Actress, Imelda Staunton earned a nod for Hello, Dolly!, while Lesley Manville was recognized for her role in Oedipus. Indira Varma (Mission: Impossible) scored a nomination for a Greek tragedy adaptation, though co-star Rami Malek was notably snubbed. Romola Garai received dual nods for Giant and The Years.

Notable Productions
The revival of Fiddler on the Roof led with 13 nominations, while Giant and The Years tied with five each. Giant scrutinizes Roald Dahl’s controversial legacy, with Lithgow portraying the author. Brody’s nomination stems from his gripping performance in The Fear of 13, based on a death row memoir.

Star-Studded Presentations
A-listers like Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, and Tom Hiddleston presented awards. Beverley Knight praised the “sheer joy of celebrating talent,” while Billy Porter hailed the theatre community’s uniqueness. The ceremony featured a Les Misérables 40th-anniversary performance and TikTok’s Green Carpet coverage.

Highlights air April 6 on ITV1 and ITVX.

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