Ant and Dec scooped the NTA for TV Presenter for the 19th year in a row on Tuesday (22.01.19).
The ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ hosts were not at London’s The O2 to hear they had picked up the accolade ahead of Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield, Bradley Walsh and Graham Norton, but gave a shocked message of thanks via a video link from the ‘BGT’ auditions.
Looking visibly shocked and emotional, Ant – who took a 10-month break from the spotlight last year to focus on his sobriety, and only appeared in four episodes of ‘Saturday Night Takeaway’ and six pre-recorded auditions for ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ before going on hiatus – said:
“Oh wow. Wow. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, very much. This is a genuine shock, especially this year, I’m shaking here. I want to say thank you to everybody.
“I don’t feel I can accept this award this year, the one reason we got it because of this guy, his hard work, dedication, wit, funniness and being the best mate there is, I love you, well done.”
Dec added:
“Thank you, thank you to everyone who sent kind and thoughtful messages while I was flying the flag for the two of us, I’ve got him back now. “
Elsewhere at the ceremony, ‘This Morning’ was a winner for the ninth year in a row, picking up Daytime Show.
Hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby – who was replaced by Rochelle Humes for a stint last year while she fronted ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ with Dec – were joined on stage by many of their panellists including Dr. Ranj Singh and Alison Hammond, as well as fellow presenters Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes.
Phillip said:
“We never take it for granted, our ‘This Morning’ family are amazing, our viewers are as well, we love them, and I absolutely adore working with you [Holly].”
Holly replied:
“Likewise, I’m a very lucky lady to have you in my life every single day, I count my blessings always, this is a special year for this morning, it’s been on for 30 years and still you vote, it means everything to us.
“We have the best team, Eamonn and Ruth, all our experts, Rochelle, thank you for filling in for me.”
David Walliams was another repeat winner, taking the TV judge honour for the third time – much to the horror of his friend and fellow nominee Simon Cowell.
The pair are also busy filming ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ with fellow judges Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden, and the camera cut to them, with the jubilant comic standing on the desk while the music mogul furiously pressed all of the buzzers in protect.
David quipped:
“I would share this with my fellow judges, but I’m not going to because it’s mine, mine, mine.”
Meanwhile, ‘The Bodyguard’ scooped two honours, New Drama – a new category this year – and Drama Performance for its star Richard Madden.
Accepting the latter from Danny DeVito, the Scottish star said:
“Thank you very, very much. An honour I didn’t expect, thank you to every person that voted…
“The biggest thank you to Keeley Hawes, I couldn’t have asked for a better, more talented actress.”
Richard was planning a night of celebration once the ceremony came to an end.
Speaking backstage after accepting his second award, he told BANG Showbiz:
“This is just crazy, it’s been a mad year.
“A year from now I was still shooting so to be here from there just seems insane.
“Two awards is crazy. I can’t wait to have a drink and celebrate.”
Elsewhere at the ceremony – which was hosted by Dermot O’Leary – ‘Emmerdale’ won the coveted Serial Drama honour, while actor James Moore, who plays Ryan Stocks, was the winning Newcomer. ‘EastEnders’ actor Danny Dyer’s portrayal of Mick Carter won him Serial Drama Performance.
National Television Awards 2019 winners:
TV Presenter:
Ant & Dec
New Drama:
‘Bodyguard’
Drama Performance:
Richard Madden – ‘Bodyguard’
The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award:
‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’
Talent Show:
‘Strictly Come Dancing’
Serial Drama Performance:
Danny Dyer – ‘EastEnders’
TV Judge:
David Walliams – ‘Britain’s Got Talent’
Drama:
‘Peaky Blinders’
New Drama:
‘Bodyguard’
Factual Entertainment:
‘Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs’
Daytime:
‘This Morning’
Newcomer:
James Moore, ‘Emmerdale’
Comedy:
‘Peter Kay’s Car Share’
Quiz:
‘The Chase’
Special Recognition Award:
David Dimbleby