Television awards night took a surprising turn this week when Molly-Mae Hague, the former Love Island star, scooped a National Television Award for her documentary Behind It All.
The six-part series, which chronicled her break-up from boxer Tommy Fury and her journey as a single mother to two-year-old Bambi, beat some formidable competition—including documentaries on Rob Burrow’s battle with motor neurone disease, Amy Dowden’s fight with breast cancer, and Freddie Flintoff’s recovery from a near-fatal car crash.
Even viewers at home, and those involved in the other films, were left scratching their heads.
Some industry insiders even joked that perhaps the next step for award-winning TV was planning your own dramatic break-up.
Reality or PR? The Controversy Behind the Documentary
Molly-Mae’s documentary promised an honest, behind-the-scenes look at her split with Tommy Fury—a relationship once dubbed Gen Z’s version of Charles and Diana’s divorce.
Allegations of Tommy’s alcohol addiction were said to have driven the break-up, but doubts soon emerged.
Footage surfaced online showing the pair kissing at a New Year’s Eve party during filming, leading some to question whether the break-up was more of a publicity stunt than a genuine split.
The speculation intensified when fans learned the series also tied into the launch of Molly-Mae’s fashion brand, Maebe.
She has vehemently denied the claims, insisting, “I wish it was a publicity stunt because it would be a lot easier.”
Dedication and Poise on the NTA Stage
Despite the controversy, Molly-Mae handled her win with grace.
When BBC Radio 5 presenter Nicky Campbell announced her as the winner in the Authored Documentary category—voted for by the British public—she was visibly stunned.
Clutching her award in a custom silk Laura Carmel dress, she dedicated the victory to Rob Burrow and his family, acknowledging their story as more inspirational than her own.
She also thanked Tommy, who watched from home, saying, “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Industry Reactions and Public Influence
Insiders have admitted that the win stirred frustration in some corners of the industry.
“People are angry, but it’s really a reflection of what the British public wants,” one source told me. “Molly-Mae has millions of social media followers, and they voted.
It says more about the viewers than the content itself.”
Experts note that today’s reality TV generation craves drama and relationship turmoil, even if the stories aren’t completely authentic.
Public figures may feel pressured to stage personal events just to capture attention.
Vogue Williams Jokes About Planning a Break-Up
The reaction wasn’t limited to behind-the-scenes chatter.
Irish presenter Vogue Williams, appearing on Lorraine Kelly’s sofa after the awards, jokingly said, “I think… I’m going to plan a break-up because then I’m going to win an NTA myself.”
The clip quickly went viral, highlighting how much the public has embraced this new “formula” for TV success.
Behind the Scenes in Showbiz Strategy
While Vogue’s comment was humorous, industry insiders hint there may be some truth to strategic relationship shifts among media personalities.
Vogue and her husband, Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, recently altered their professional arrangements—he stepped down from their joint podcast, and Vogue switched management teams.
An insider explained, “It’s common for media personalities coordinating a strategic move—like an orchestrated break-up—to create some distance so it doesn’t seem purely capital-driven.
It doesn’t mean anything sinister, but these moves are often carefully planned.”
The Takeaway: Drama Wins
Vogue, mother of three, has built her own empire with brand endorsements, ITV presenting roles, and successful podcasts.
In showbiz, a well-timed publicity boost—whether planned or not—is never unwelcome.
For the National Television Awards, Molly-Mae’s victory sends a clear message: audiences want drama, relatability, and personal stories that feel intimate—even if some elements are open to interpretation.
Next year’s NTAs may well be decided by whoever can capture the public’s attention most effectively, and perhaps the lesson is to take winning narratives with a pinch of salt.