The National Television Awards marked their 30th anniversary with plenty of glitz, laughter, and a few jaw-dropping surprises.
Among the biggest shocks of the night was Ant and Dec losing out on the Best Presenter trophy for the first time in 23 years—a streak that had seemed untouchable until now.
The crown instead went to Gary Lineker, who admitted he was just as stunned as everyone else when his name was called.
Gary Lineker’s Unexpected Triumph
As the arena filled with applause, Gary walked on stage, clearly taken aback.
With a cheeky smile, the former footballer and TV host quipped, “Blimey, I’ve won the Ant and Dec trophy.”
He went on to thank fans warmly, saying how much the win meant after a whirlwind year that included his dramatic departure from Match Of The Day.
The Ceremony Kicks Off with Big Wins
The evening, hosted by Joel Dommett and broadcast live on ITV1, wasted no time handing out big prizes.
Michael McIntyre was one of the early winners, picking up Best Quiz Show for his hit Big Show.
Meanwhile, in the drama categories, Call the Midwife edged out the final season of Vera to claim Best Returning Drama, showing the BBC classic still has a strong hold on the nation’s hearts.
Mixed Fortunes for Familiar Faces
Not everyone had reason to celebrate. Stacey Solomon’s series Sort Your Life Out missed out on an award once again, following her earlier disappointment at the BAFTAs.
On the other hand, Jeremy Clarkson’s Clarkson’s Farm kept its momentum, winning big—and Jeremy revealed on stage that he’s been on the weight-loss jab Mounjaro, leaving the audience both amused and intrigued.
Reality and Comedy Take Centre Stage
Liz Hurley and Rob Rinder took to the stage to announce I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! as the winner of Reality Competition.
The jungle show remains a fan favourite, even after decades on air.
Later, the comedy world got its moment. Gavin and Stacey, which wrapped up with a Christmas finale, was crowned Best Comedy.
James Corden and Matthew Horne couldn’t attend, but the award was a clear nod to the show’s enduring popularity over rivals like Mrs Brown’s Boys and Brassic.
Red Carpet Energy and Fan Power
As always, the red carpet buzzed with excitement.
This year’s arrivals were fronted by Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks, who returned for the second year to capture the glamour and candid moments.
The NTAs remain unique for one big reason—the winners are chosen entirely by the public.
Since their launch in 1995, the awards have been billed as a true celebration of the nation’s most loved shows and stars, letting audiences cast their votes via post, phone, or online.
A Milestone Year for TV Drama
It’s been a standout year for television drama, with one series in particular drawing attention.
Netflix’s Adolescence has been making waves, with critics praising Owen Cooper’s haunting portrayal of child killer Jamie Miller as “emotional, horrifying, and heartbreaking all at once.”
The show now stands in tough competition alongside Code of Silence, Ludwig, MobLand, and Rivals in the Best Drama category, proving just how rich and varied the current TV landscape is.
The NTAs at 30
Three decades after the National Television Awards began, the ceremony still delivers exactly what fans love—recognition for the shows and personalities they cherish most, a few shocks to keep things interesting, and plenty of moments that will be talked about long after the final award is handed out.