Former Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker won the TV presenter prize at the UK’s National Television Awards – ending the 23-year-long winning streak of Ant and dec.
He saeid it was “amazing” to win the award. He added: “I think it demonstrates that perhaps it’s OK sometimes for us to use our platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice.”
Reflecting on the fact that he’d ended the run of the perpetual winners, Lineker said: “Blimey, I’ve won the Ant and Dec trophy.”
“Right, what to say? Firstly, of course, thank you, thank you to everybody who voted for me.
“It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award. Aside from presenting Match Of The Day – the moast iconic football show on television – for 26 years.”
Lineker also beat out Alison Hammond, claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon to win the Presenter category, which is based entirely on votes cast by the British public.
Far less surprising was Gavin & Stacey picking up the award for best comedy. Christmas Day last year saw the show’s last-ever episode.
Ruth jones, who co-wrote and co-starred in the BBC sitcom alongside James Corden, told the audience: “Alright, calm down. I’m going to the bar now for a pint of wine.”
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show meanwhile won the Bruce Forsyth entertainment award, beating graham Norton, amongst other challengers.
The comedian – who recently played two nights at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theater – was delighted with the achievement, his first in this category.
Collecting his award,McIntyre said: “I’ve sat in the front row manny,many times with my feet on the bottom stair and never won this prize.This is an excellent turn of events.”
another winner on the night was Call The Midwife – the much-loved BBC period series has been named best returning drama, while long-running EastEnders actor Steve McFadden lifted the award for serial drama performance.
National Television Awards host joel Dommett ope