Ant and Dec have affirmed their status as the nation’s favourite TV presenters after winning their 20th consecutive trophy at the National Television Awards (NTAs).
The duo, full names Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, have clinched the best TV presenter award every year at the ceremony since 2001.
McPartlin says: “You’ve no idea how special this is”, while Donnelly describes the win as “overwhelming”.
Other winners on the night include Gogglebox, Line of Duty, and the groundbreaking drama It’s A Sin.
The top categories were dominated by the mainstream channels BBC, ITV and Channel 4. The only victory for a streaming service went to Ricky Gervais’s Netflix comedy After Life.
“This one means the most”
McPartlin thanked everyone “very much indeed” as he accepted the pair’s 20th award for best TV presenter. Back in 2001 when they first won the award, Tony Blair led the country as prime minister, and Newcastle United qualified for the Champions league, showing just how long ago it was. “But this one means the most – 20 years, I’m shaking,” he added.
Donnelly described the experience as “pretty overwhelming”. Even though a lot has changed in both of their lives since their first win, what hasn’t changed is “how unbelievably grateful” they are to be voted top every year. He says: “We are so honoured and humbled and grateful. It means the absolute world”.
Despite viewer’s disappointment at the series six finale, Line of Duty received the title for best returning drama, and a special recognition award. Star of the show Martin Compston paid tribute to creator Jed Mercurio, and thanked viewers, saying “it means so much”. He says that they owe everything to the fans for turning the “wee show on Wednesday night on BBC Two to “the biggest drama on TV”. Compston even hinted at another series, saying, “who knows – maybe we’ll be back again”.
Julie Malone accepted Gogglebox’s award for best factual programme, paying tribute to late stars of the show, June Bernicoff, Pete McGarry, Mary Cook and Andrew Michael. She dedicated the award to “all the people we’ve lost sadly over the past 18 months”.
“The hugest privilege”
Kate Garraway claimed victory in the newly created authored documentary category for Finding Derek. The harrowing programme charted her husband Derek Draper’s long battle with the Covid-19 virus. Garraway thanked people for the votes and acknowledged how everyone has been affected by the pandemic. She offered support to families who are still suffering, saying: “Whatever you’re going through, you’re not forgotten. We want the joy back. We want it to be over, but if you’re still living with the scars, the fight goes on”. Lastly she gave mention to her husband who should have “the chance to tell his own story”, and hopes one day he will.
Channel 4 series It’s a Sin won best new drama. The sad story, in which many people lost their lives, followed a group of friends during the Aids crisis in the 1980s. The show’s star Olly Alexander described being part of it as “the hugest privilege of my life”. He says everybody involved is “so brilliant”, from cast and crew to production and behind the scenes. It’s a Sin writer Russell T Davies dedicated the award to “those we lost, those who lived, those who learned, and those we loved”.
Sir Trevor McDonald introduced a video montage, reflecting on an eventful 18 months in the UK. It showed the impacts of Covid-19, and rounded up other major news stories since the last National Television Awards in January 2020. The highlights included England’s progression to the final of Euro 2020, Prince Philip’s death, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s fight against Covid, and the vaccine announcement.
Other National Television Awards winners
Despite the complications of the pandemic meaning a shift from the Australian jungle to a castle in Wales, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! won the Bruce Forsyth entertainment award. While best talent show went to dance competition Strictly Come Dancing, who also faced issues due to the pandemic, with people testing positive and a shortened series.
The accolade of best daytime programme went to This Morning, with Philip Scholfield and holly Willoughby there to accept the award. In his speech, Schofield described the show as a “comfort blanket” for viewers during the difficult times of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Coronation Street reigned victorious in the battle of the soaps, as it claimed the award for best serial drama. Child actor Jude Riordan won best newcomer for his role as Sam Blakeman in the show, while best serial drama performance went to Mollie Gallagher for playing Nina Lucas.
The Great British Bake Off won best challenge show, and Beat the Chasers named as best quiz game show. The award for best drama performance went to David Tennant for his portrayal of Dennis Nilsen in the TV drama Des.
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