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In a notable upset at the National Television Awards, Gary Lineker brought Ant and Dec’s 23-year winning streak to an end.
The former Match of the Day presenter was recognized as the best TV presenter at Wednesday’s ceremony, with winners determined by public vote.
Lineker’s departure from the BBC football program, after 26 years, occurred at the close of the Premier League season in May.
This also marked his final appearance with the BBC, following controversies surrounding his social media activity that led to his announcement of leaving the corporation.
Upon accepting the award, Lineker thanked his colleagues and stated that the honor “demonstrates that it is OK to use your platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice”.
He further remarked, “It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award.”
When questioned about a potential return to the BBC, the presenter expressed uncertainty and conveyed his anticipation for work with ITV.
The National Television Awards stand out due to the public’s exclusive role in voting for all categories.
Elsewhere, Gavin and Stacey’s finale, which drew in over 20 million viewers during Christmas, was a leading contender in the comedy segment and ultimately secured the win.
The show triumphed over Mrs. Brown’s Boys and Michael McIntyre’s 25th-anniversary stand-up special, though McIntyre did receive the Bruce Forsyth entertainment award for his Big Show.
Gavin and Stacey’s Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa, accepted the award by quipping, “Alright, calm down. I’m going to the bar now for a pint of wine.”
Backstage, she recognized James Corden, her co-writer and co-star, who was unable to attend the event.
Recent reports indicate that Jones and Corden are currently developing a new comedy-drama for Apple TV+.
However, Jones clarified that no official announcements or signings have been made, and the information was leaked.
Despite being one of the year’s most-watched programs, The Traitors did not win, as I’m a Celebrity took the reality competition category.
Other significant winners included the Netflix drama Adolescence, which won best new drama along with best drama performance for its 15-year-old star, Owen Cooper.
He surpassed his on-screen father, Stephen Graham, who was also nominated for the award.
The Netflix show, centered on a teenage boy arrested for a classmate’s murder, became a widespread phenomenon and hot topic earlier in the year.
Neither Cooper nor Graham were present at the awards ceremony.
Separately, the animated duo Wallace & Gromit received a special recognition award.
In the authored documentary category, Molly-Mae’s Behind It All received the award and defeated Boyzone, Freddie Flintoff, Amy Dowden, and Rob Burrow.
Speaking to the BBC, she regarded the “award was really unexpected as there were so many inspirational stories in the category”.
She added that the documentary helped her to grow as a person and that she is currently filming the second series.
“Bambi is asleep but Tommy told me he was watching it at home and I will call him shortly,” she said.
Reality competition
New drama
Quiz show
Authored documentary
Returning drama
TV presenter
Factual entertainment
Drama performance
The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award
Serial drama
Serial drama performance
Comedy
Daytime
Talent show
The ex-Apprentice star says he walked out of interviews after seeing a message on a journalist’s screen.
The artwork of a judge hitting a protester with a gavel has been removed from the listed building.
The second episode of The Great British Bake Off saw bakers take on biscuit-themed challenges.
The TV presenter was sacked in July after a report upheld more than 40 allegations against him.
The former Apprentice star left abruptly before finishing his media duties ahead of the new series.
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