MUMBAI: The Rose d'Or Festival announced winners of the 44th annual Golden Rose awards at a ceremony held at the KKL building in Lucerne, Switzerland on 17 April.

Ant and Dec took double golds, winning in both categories the Best game show host and the Best variety for their Saturday night take away. Martin Freeman picked up the best sitcom actor Golden Rose for his role in Hardware and Harry Hill took away the best comedy actor award for Harry Hills TV Burp.

This year, for the first time, Golden Roses for best actor, actress and host were awarded along with Golden Roses for best programs. UK's Shane Richie scooped the top prize as best actor in soap for his role in East Enders , which is the first soap to be honoured at the festival, says a company release.

Golden Roses awarded the best programme awards in eight program categories including, comedy, sitcom, soaps, variety, game show, reality show, music, art and specials.

The 2004 honorary Golden Rose was presented to one of worlds' leading creators of innovative and successful television content John de Mol, chairman and chief creative officer of Endemol.

Hosted by Jon Culshaw, the star studded event featured actors like Roger Moore, Harry Belafonte and Lord of the Rings star Christopher Lee.

Rose d'Or Festival CEO George Luks said, "This was a dream night, we planned to emphasise on the glamour and entertainment of the prestigious Golden Rose Awards and the ceremony reflected this in everyway. I am delighted that so many stars of TV and film chose to be with us on this special evening, bringing the Golden Rose to Lucerne for the first time".

The honorary Golden Rose recognises performers, companies and individuals, who have made outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry.