By Maureen Coleman.

It was a night of glamour, glitz and girly spats at the star-studded Fate Awards in association with Carling.

Well known faces from the worlds of television, sport, music and media brushed down their tuxedos and splashed out on sexy cocktail dresses to attend the bash at the Waterfront Hall.

Sharp-tongued comedienne Ruby Wax was back for a second year to present the ceremony - and to poke fun at the celebs who had been invited to hand out awards.

Unfortunately not everyone appreciated her humour and Holby City star Patsy Kensit left the party early after presenting her gong.

Model Sophie Anderton was as charming as ever (!) and along with her pal Victoria (pictured left arriving on Friday night) - a niece of Ray Winstone's - caused something of a stir by rowing with the lovely Jenny Frost. Poor Gail Porter, one of the sweetest stars at the bash, was at the wrong end of some harsh treatment when she tried to intervene.

Other stars at the ceremony included Nancy Dell'Olio, who looked lovely in gold, the ever-cheerful Christopher Biggins and Loose Woman Denise Welch, a popular choice who got one of the biggest cheers of the night.

Belfast actor Gerard McCarthy - who has just split up with Zoe Salmon - also had tongues wagging when he turned up with a sultry brunette on his arm. Gerard was sporting a new longer look hairstyle and a tan and said he was delighted to be back home in Belfast for the Fate Awards.

Dreadlocked singer Duke Special made his debut appearance at the bash, along with his wife.

Among the winners on the night were Spring and Airbrake for Best Live Venue, Muriels for Best Newcomer, Yello for Best Club and The Plough for Best Gastro Bar. The Apartment won again for Best Style Bar while The Merchant picked up the gong for Best Cocktail Bar. No 27 Talbot Street won Best Restaurant and Andy Rea from Mourne Seafood won Best Chef.

Christine Bleakley was named Northern Ireland Media Personality but was unable to attend due to her commitments with The One Show.

Photocaption: Glam before the Storm - Sophie Anderton & pal Victoria are all smiles on the red carpet as they arrive at The Fate Awards at the Waterfront Hall. Photo by Jessica Weber.