Former Love Island star Chris Hughes has broken his silence after he was involved in an altercation with photographer following Tuesday night’s National Television Awards. 

The reality star was pictured in an angry confrontation with a paparazzi after celebrating girlfriend Jesy Nelson’s win at the ceremony, with police since confirming they are investigating a case of assault and criminal damage. 

The photos were published by various outlets and show Chris grappling with the photographer, as well as being restrained by his manager, former TOWIE star Chris Drake. 

Posting on Instagram, Chris claimed he had retaliated after being called “a name he wouldn’t call his worst enemy”, adding that he acted in “self defence”. 

He wrote: “I want to address last night’s altercation. I was having an amazing night celebrating the award my girlfriend deservedly won.

“After coming out of our hotel, a particular paparazzi decided to repeatedly call me a name I wouldn’t call my worst enemy and physically try and start an altercation.

“As everyone can see I retaliated back badly to this which I totally regret. I’m human. No different to anyone else.”

Chris continued: ’However, I want to make everyone aware this was only in self defence. I hope people I care about including my followers, family and friends can understand and forgive me.

“This night was about Jesy’s win and I am sorry if I distracted anyone from this.

“Ultimately I’m the proudest boyfriend ever and want to congratulate my amazing girlfriend for a deserving win. I am so proud of you.”

After the encounter, Metropolitan Police confirmed they had received a report of assault and criminal damage. 

A spokesperson told The Mirror: “We can confirm that at 03:52hrs on Wednesday, 29 January, police received a report of assault and criminal damage following an altercation between two men at Waterview Drive, Greenwich.

“The incident is reported to have taken place at a time between 23:00hrs on Tuesday, 28 January and 01:00hrs on Wednesday, 29 January.

“The reported criminal damage relates to photographic equipment. There were no reported injuries.

“There have been no arrests. Enquiries continue.”

HuffPost UK has also contacted Chris’ spokesperson for comment and is awaiting a response. 

Tuesday’s NTAs saw Chris’ girlfriend, Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, reduced to tears as her BBC Three documentary won Best Factual show. 

The one-off programme saw her open up about the abuse she has faced at the hands of internet trolls since appearing on The X Factor in 2011, which drove her to attempt suicide. 

The documentary aired to critical acclaim last year and beat off competition from long-running shows including Gogglebox and Paul O’Grady’s For The Love Of Dogs to take home the prize. 

After making her way to the stage, Jesy became emotional as she began to make her speech, also paying tribute to Chris. 

“This is so overwhelming. I’m such a baby. Thank you so much,” she said. 

“I want to thank Chris, my boyfriend, for bringing me up every day and making me feel confident.”