ANT and Dec’s 23-year run as the Best Presenter winners at the National Television Awards’ was sensationally ended last night by Gary Lineker.
The ex-Match of the Day host pulled off the huge upset as the public threw their support behind him following his
Gary Lineker beams as he holds up his Best Presenter gong
Ant and Dec’s 23-year run as the Best Presenter winners at the National Television Awards’ was sensationally ended
Gary was at the event with his sons
Elated Gary told The Sun: “I’m in shock. Someone has won this for 23 years so it’s a surprise.
“It’s beautiful, it’s amazing. I’m just emotional really.”
It felt like a particular triumph in the wake of his departure from the BBC in May. His spot on the shortlist was his first NTA nomination since 2017.
after 26 years at the end of the Premier League season after a string of controversies over his social media use.
Speaking of the success coming after a turbulent year for the 64-year-old, he said: “I don’t think anyone seriously thought I was cancelled — it was obviously just a mistake and an oversight.
“I was never in the slightest bit concerned about that. It’s no doubt that this sends a message that you can speak your mind and have your views.”
Accepting the award on stage, Gary had hinted he felt it was a finger up to the Beeb.
He said: “I think it demonstrates that perhaps it’s OK, sometimes, to use our platform to speak up.”
The England footie great had jokingly written off his chances of winning before the event — claiming on the he was only at the bash at London’s O2 Arena “for the canapes”.
— who had dominated the category since 2001 — did not have to face their loss in person as they are holed-up in Kruger National Park, South Africa, filming I’m A Celebrity’s all stars series.
Earlier they had posted a video online with a stunning backdrop, with Dec saying: “Just us coming to you from . Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who voted for us.
Ant added: “Yes, thank you so much, we really appreciate it and sorry we can’t be there but we’re in South Africa. It’s an honour to even be nominated.”
Dec added: “I don’t think they have it on South African telly. You’ll have to text us!”
They could at least celebrate I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here’s win in the reality competition category — beating BBC smash , which had been fancied to take the title.
Elsewhere, proved it was still a champion for viewers despite another series now being shrouded in scandal.
The beleaguered BBC show was voted Best Talent Show. In recent weeks the programme has faced accusations of rape, illegal drug use and a fat-jabs drama.
And ahead of the new series later this month, one of the contestants, Apprentice star , stormed out of a launch press conference on Tuesday after snatching a female journalist’s phone.
But viewers backed the programme, now in its 26th year, ahead of talent show favourites including Britain’s Got Talent and .
This year’s cast — including hosts and plus judges — were unable to attend as the BBC is tonight filming the dance show’s launch.
Actress Sarah Hadland, who starred on last year’s series, said: “It’s no surprise to me it tends to win — the public love it don’t they.”
Other big wins included Best Comedy for Gavin & Stacey, which had been overlooked by the snooty TV Bafta panel in May.
It attracted more than 20million viewers at Christmas so it was considered almost impossible for Michelle Keegan’s on , divisive Mrs Brown’s Boys for the BBC and Michael McIntyre’s 25th Year Stand-Up Special to beat and James Corden’s giant.
Despite a dramatic 18 months hit by scandals, including Huw Edwards’ demise and mishandling of controversies on Gaza and at , the BBC took seven gongs ahead of , who had two.
Streaming channels also held their own, with Prime Video and both taking two each.
Elsewhere, at the event hosted by , and won the Best Daytime statue, though neither was present.
The 1% Club won Best Quiz while the The Entertainment Award went to Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on the BBC.
