Vanessa Williams, Alexandra Burke and Donna Air opt for sleek black looks as they lead the glamorous arrivals at the Variety Club Awards

Vanessa Williams, Alexandra Burke and Donna Air were among the showbiz stars who headlined the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards on Sunday evening.

While the flamboyant and fun-filled night was hosted at The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square, donations were also collected for disabled and disadvantaged children.

Variety Club Silver Heart Awards recognize nationally recognized individuals for outstanding achievements in Television, Film, Theatre, Music and philanthropy.

Vanessa, 62, looked stunning in her bejeweled black coat, which she wore over an equally flashy midi dress with strappy black heels.

The actress, who is currently starring in Devil Wears Prada in the West End, completed her look with sleek hair, dramatic make-up and statement earrings.

Alexandra Burke also looked stunning in a cutout black dress that featured a cutout at the bust and a sexy thigh slit.

Alexandra Burke also looked stunning in a cutout black dress that featured a cutout at the bust and a sexy thigh slit.

Actress Donna Air also opted for a chic black look; She wore a knit dress, costume jewelry, and a pair of white leather cowboy-style boots.

Actress Donna Air also opted for a chic black look; She wore a knit dress, costume jewelry, and a pair of white leather cowboy-style boots.

Also attending the event was Michelle Heaton, who showed off a sexy figure in her black dress with lace panels.

Former Liberty

Another star who appeared at the night was Loose Women star and activist Katie Piper.

Katie looked gorgeous in a pearl-encrusted halter top and floor-length black skirt with a decorative black bow.

Showbiz veterans Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were present at the event and donned black tuxedos and boots for the occasion.

Meanwhile, Barney Walsh, son of TV presenter Bradley Walsh, arrived with his mother Donna Derby.

Donna looked gorgeous in a black jacket with a statement collar, which she wore over a silky black satin top.

Vanessa, 62, looked stunning in her bejeweled black coat, which she wore over an equally flashy midi dress with strappy black heels.

Alexandra looked radiant with glamorous make-up and a stylish blow dry

Michelle Heaton chose a sexy black dress with lace panels

Donna posed alongside TV presenter duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donelly

Katie looked gorgeous in a pearl-encrusted halter top and floor-length black skirt with a decorative black bow.

Meanwhile, Barney Walsh, son of TV presenter Bradley Walsh, arrived with his mother Donna Derby.

JLS star JB Gil, who participated in Strictly Come Dancing last year, was at the ceremony with his wife

JLS star JB Gil, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year, was at the ceremony with his wife.

JB and Chloe Tangney were also in the audience on Strictly last night and told the Daily Mail on the red carpet what it was like to be back.

He said: ‘It’s surprising how great the vibe is on Strictly Come Dancing.’ When you go there, all the people, all the memories come alive.

‘And of course it’s such an iconic ballroom. So yeah it’s always great to come back. It’s great to go with my wife. Last year, he was sitting on the edge of those seats on the dance floor, watching me dance.

‘It was nice to go and be a spectator and congratulate everyone at one point. Great show. I think this year will be really special.’

Elsewhere at the awards, Vanessa touched on the upcoming Desperate Housewives remake after appearing for two seasons as Renee Perry in the hit original.

Vanessa, who was 47 when she first starred in the mystery comedy-drama, admitted she knew next to nothing about the revival plans.

However, Vanessa stated that she believes the producers will cast a ‘younger cast’ for the series, which is referred to as Wisteria Lane, a reference to the series’ iconic setting.

When asked by the Daily Mail about the red carpet reboot at the Variety Club Awards, Vanessa said: ”I’ve seen it! I know as much as you because I read.

Admitting that he was not asked to appear on stage, Sh said: ‘I think Kerry Washington is doing this. That’s all I know.

Before bluntly adding: ”I’m sure they prefer younger housewives, just like we did 20 years ago!”

Vanessa also addressed some of the current cast of West End show The Devil Wears Prada, leaving the show to pursue other opportunities.

Sinitta stood out from the crowd in her stunning metallic gold dress and platform heels.

The singer showed a busty look in a low-cut midi dress

Broadcaster Tania Bryer looked stylish in a black and white dress

Coronation Street star William Roache (L) and Gloria Hunniford (R)

Lesley Joseph also attended the ceremony in a beautiful black dress.

Football player Leah Williamson looked stylish in a black suit and white shirt

Rob Rinder looked stylish in his orange velvet jacket

Olly Murs attracted attention with his black and white spotted jacket

Vernon Kay opted for a classic look while opting for the black version

Speaking about whether she’s been ’emotional’ in her recent performances, Vanessa said: ‘I still have rehearsals on Tuesday.

‘But it was definitely emotional for the players who left. They had to make a decision months and months ago.

‘It’s a gamble, you don’t know what will happen in eight months. But I’m excited for everything that comes their way.

‘I’ve always dreamed of coming to London and being on stage.’

Vanessa played Renee, an attractive and outspoken woman who moves to Wisteria Lane after her marriage ends and her husband cheats on her.

She is an old college friend of Fairview resident Lynette Scavo, through whom she befriends other women on the strip.

Ruth Jones looked stunning with her emerald jumpsuit, handbag and platform heels

Rugby player Zoe Aldcroft chose a burgundy silk dress and gold heels

Emily Scarratt, Natasha Hunt and Zoe Aldcroft

Corrie legend Barbara Knox also attended the event