Gary Lineker has broken Ant and Dec’s 23-year winning streak by being named best TV presenter at the National Television Awards. The former Match of the Day host accepted the viewer-voted prize on Wednesday, marking his first major accolade since leaving the BBC earlier this year.
In his speech, Lineker thanked colleagues and reflected on his public profile, saying the award “demonstrates that it is OK to use your platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice.” He added, “It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award.”
Lineker stepped down from the BBC’s flagship football show in May after 26 years, following ongoing controversies around his social media use. Asked backstage about returning to the broadcaster, he said he was unsure but was “really looking forward to working with ITV.” Michael Barrymore had been the last person to win the category before Ant and Dec’s reign began in 2001.
Elsewhere on the night, Gavin and Stacey won the comedy award for its Christmas finale, watched by more than 20 million viewers. Star Ruth Jones accepted the prize, joking with the audience before paying tribute to co-writer James Corden, who was unable to attend.
Netflix’s Adolescence secured two major victories, taking best new drama and best drama performance for 15-year-old Owen Cooper, who was not present to collect his award. The show, about a teenager accused of murder, became a national talking point earlier this year.
In other categories, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! beat The Traitors in reality competition, Molly-Mae Hague won for her documentary Behind It All, and Wallace & Gromit received a special recognition award.
The NTAs remain distinctive among industry honors as every category is decided entirely by public vote.
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