Ant and Dec’s co-star shares pair’s honest thoughts about losing to Gary Lineker at NTAs

Ant and Dec have since issued a statement about their 23-year winning streak ending at The National Television Awards, having missed the ceremony due to filming commitments

Ant and Dec skipped the NTAs due to filming commitments in South Africa

Amanda Holden has shared how she thinks her Britain’s Got Talent co-stars Ant and Dec will be feeling about their defeat at The National Television Awards. On Wednesday night, Gary Lineker became the first presenter to end the duo’s 23-year winning streak in the Best TV Presenter category.

Taking to the stage to collect his award, the 64-year-old joked about him being the one to finally win “the Ant and Dec award”.

He went on to say the gong “demonstrates that it is OK to use your platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice,” adding: “It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award.”

Gary’s victory followed his first nomination in the category, which also included Stacey Solomon, Claudia Winkleman, and Alison Hammond.

Discussing the result on the Heart Radio Breakfast Show this morning, Amanda said she doesn’t think Ant and Dec will be bothered by their defeat.

Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker won the award for Best Presenter (Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

She said: “Gary Lineker won it, so congrats to you Gary!”

In response, her co-star Jamie Theakston said: “Unlucky lads,” before remarking: “I’m not sure they’re particularly bothered, are they?”

Amanda replied: “No, I shouldn’t think so, but they’ll be delighted for Gary, they’re such lovely boys.”

Ant and Dec, who missed the ceremony in London due to filming in South Africa, have since shared a message addressing the result.

In the video, Dec began: “Hello from sunny South Africa, it’s us. We just want to jump on here and say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! at the NTAs last night.”

“Yes, thank you very much,” Ant added. “Everyone here is very happy and thank you to everyone that voted for us for the Best Presenter category, even though we couldn’t get it across the line this year. We were beaten by an up and coming new guy, 64-year-old whippersnapper Gary Lineker.”

Britain's Got Talent judges and hosts
Amanda Holden shared how she thinks Ant and Dec will feel about their defeat

Dec went on to say: “Congratulations to Gary – great speech too.” Echoing his co-star’s words, Ant added: “Great speech, thoroughly deserved.”

Ahead of the show being aired, the pair shared another clip thanking fans for voting for them.

From their outdoor location, Dec began: “Just us coming to you from South Africa. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who voted for us.”

Ant added: “Yes, thank you so much, we really appreciate it and sorry we can’t be there but we’re in South Africa. It’s an honour to even be nominated.”

Dec then quipped: “I don’t think they have it on South African telly. You’ll have to text us!”

Ant and Dec
Ant and Dec are currently filming in South Africa(Image: antanddec/Instagram)

It wasn’t all bad news for the duo, as their show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! picked up the award for Best Reality Competition.

Collecting the gong, campmate Coleen Rooney said: “It’s amazing. It was a tough category. We’ve had a fantastic year.”

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Other winners on the night included; Strictly Come Dancing for Best Talent Show, EastEnders for Serial Drama and Molly-Mae for the Authored Documentary award.

The hit Netflix series Adolescence also scooped two awards; one for New Drama and another for the show’s young star Owen Cooper in Drama Performance.

Tommy Fury pens sweet message to Molly-Mae Hague as her NTAs win divides fans

Tommy Fury shared a heartfelt message to his partner Molly-Mae after she accepted an award for her documentary Molly-Mae: Behind It All at Wednesday’s National Television Awards

Tommy Fury penned a sweet message to Molly-Mae following her NTA win(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Tommy Fury shared a sweet message on his Instagram stories in response to his partner Molly-Mae Hague bringing home an award for the Authored Documentary category at Wednesday evening’s National Television Awards.

Tommy reposed the winning announcement from the NTA’s Instagram page and wrote alongside: “Words can’t describe!!! So unbelievably proud of you. Well done”, followed by three red heart emojis.

Molly took home the award for her six-episode series, which was released on Prime Video in January this year and details the launch of the Love Islander’s fashion brand following her split from professional boxer Tommy. She was up against other series such as There’s Only One Rob Burrow, Flintoff and Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me.

READ MORE: Olivia Attwood calls out ‘dishonest’ celebs after backlash over cosy Pete Wicks snapsREAD MORE: Daisy May Cooper shows off dramatic 10st weight loss in catsuit at son’s birthday party

Tommy Fury shared a sweet message on his Instagram stories in response to his partner Molly-Mae Hague bringing home an award
Tommy Fury shared a sweet message on his Instagram stories in response to his partner Molly-Mae Hague bringing home an award(Image: Instagram/ @tommyfury)

While Tommy didn’t attend the NTAs as he was at home with their two-year-old daughter Bambi, Molly was sure to give them a shout-out in her acceptance speech.

Molly said: “Thank you to my friends and family who didn’t choose this life but came on this show for me because they knew how much it meant to me. Thank you guys, you are the best support system that I could ask for”.

“And finally to Tommy and Bambi at home, I love you so much, I couldn’t do it without you guys”.

Molly took home the award for her six-episode series, which was released on Prime Video in January this year
Molly took home the award for her six-episode series, which was released on Prime Video in January this year (Image: Getty)

After Molly won her award, many fans were left furious as they criticised Behind It All’s subject matter in comparison to its competition. One viewer took to X, formerly Twitter, and said: “Molly Mae winning an NTA over Rob Burrow or Amy Dowden is everything that is wrong with the world #NTAS.”

“All those wonderfully powerful documentaries and Molly Mae won!?” another exclaimed.

A third said: “Molly Mae winning that award over the inspirational people like Amy Dowden and Rob Burrow is a massive slap in the face, that’s disgusting. #NTAs”.

After Molly won her award, many fans were left furious as they criticised Behind It All’s subject matter in comparison to its competition
After Molly won her award, many fans were left furious as they criticised Behind It All’s subject matter in comparison to its competition(Image: GETTY)

However, other viewers have come to the influencer’s defence as it was not her decision which documentaries she was competing alongside.

One viewer pointed out: “Let’s just remember that it wasn’t Molly Mae’s fault she won this and her speech and reference to Rob Burrow’s wife and daughters was lovely.”

Before attending the awards, Molly shared a photo of her stunning outfit to her Instagram page as she wrote: “National television awards… feeling so proud that ‘Molly-Mae: Behind it all’ is nominated tonight.”

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NTA viewers say TV star ‘robbed’ of award and ask ‘what more they have to do’

The Best TV Presenter deadlock has been broken by Gary Lineker, who ended Ant and Dec’s 24-year-long winning streak, but viewers believe another host should have won the trophy

Not everyone was happy about the result of one NTA award this year(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

Viewers of this year’s National Television Awards believe one TV star has been “robbed” of a win. Members of the public were furious to see the longstanding television presenter had gone another year without an awards win, with some asking “what more do they have to do?” A win for former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker ended a 24-year winning streak from Ant and Dec.

But other nominees in the same category were tipped to win the award, and according to some NTA viewers, were much more deserving than the former Leicester footballer. Fans flooded to social media site X and shared their dismay at The Traitors’ host losing out again.

Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker broke Ant and Dec’s winning streak but viewers believe another nominee should have won (Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

Some viewers suggested Claudia Winkleman should have won the award for Best TV Presenter. It’s been a sensational run for Ant and Dec, who won the award every year from 2000 to 2024.

Ex-footballer Lineker picked up the award this year, breaking the deadlock the Geordie duo had made in the category. But some viewers were still upset to see Winkleman passed over once more.

One fan wrote: “I honestly don’t know what I’m more surprised about – that it’s finally been won by someone else or the fact that person wasn’t Claudia Winkleman. What more does she have to do?!”

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Another added: “I thought the only presenter to knock Ant and Dec off their run would have been Claudia Winkleman – slightly disappointed it wasn’t Claudia! Love her!”

A third fumed: “Claudia Winkleman robbed but what can you do.” Some were simply relieved to see a new presenter pick up the award after 24 back-to-back wins from Ant and Dec.

One person shared: “Finally someone other than Ant & Dec won for best presenter. I was hoping for Claudia Winkleman. However I’m happy for Gary Linker winning it after all the years of commitment he has given to Match Of The Day.”

BBC presenter Claudia Winkleman
Fans were all rooting for Claudia Winkleman to receive her first NTA win (file)(Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publis)

Another agreed, replying: “Snap! Not unhappy that Gary won after 25 years of service…”

The Match of the Day presenter confirmed the 2024/25 football season would be his last presenting the show. He has since left the programme, which is now covering the 2025/26 season.

A third shared: “Wait, Gary Lineker won over Claudia Winkleman? But I’ll take it.” Some were in such disbelief at the awards win that they demanded a recount to hopefully tip the awards ceremony in Winkleman’s favour.

One person wrote: “Also are these votes ALL public votes? Absolutely not a chance in HELL that Gary Lineker has won this over Claudia Winkleman. We need a recount.” Another agreed, adding: “It’s time to give Claudia Winkleman her flowers.”

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Ant and Dec break silence after losing out to Gary Lineker at NTAs after 23-year reign

Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have broken their silence after finally losing at the National Television Awards on Wednesday night and delivered their verdict on the man who beat them.

The presenting pair, who host shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Saturday Night Takeaway together, saw their 23-year winning streak come to an end inside The O2 Arena as Gary Lineker collected the prize for Best Presenter.

Former Match of the Day anchor Gary, 64, was shortlisted for the fan-voted award just months after his early exit from BBC show in May, following a row after he shared a post about Zionism on social media.






Ant and dec outdoors in South Africa


Ant and Dec praised Gary Lineker’s speech as they broke their silence on their loss
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antanddec/Instagram)






Gary Lineker attends the NTA's 2025 at The O2 Arena on September 10, 2025 in London, England.


The Match of the Day legend gave an impassioned speech as her collected his gong
(
Getty Images for the NTA’s)

While Ant and Dec may have missed out on the main award, they didn’t leave empty handed thanks to I’m A Celebrity beating the likes of The Traitors and Love Island to be named Best Reality Competition.

The Geordie duo, who many think were tipped off about Gary’s win, filmed a video on their Instagram Stories on Thursday morning to share their reaction to missing out on the Best Presenterand celebrate their show’s win.

“Hello from sunny South Africa, it’s us,” Dec begins in the video. “We just want to jump on here and say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! at the NTAs last night.”

“Yes, thank you very much,” Ant added as the pair whooped. “Everyone here is very happy and thank you to everyone that voted for us for the Best Presenter category, even though we couldn’t get it across the line this year. We were beaten by an up and coming new guy, 64-year-old whippersnapper Gary Lineker.”

Dec went on to praise Gary’s emotional speech as he added: “Congratulations to Gary – great speech too.” Ant seconded his pal’s words, saying: “Great speech, thoroughly deserved.”






gary holding his NTAs


‘It’s OK sometimes for us to use our platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice’
(
PA)

Collecting his award on Wednesday night, Gary – who has been a vocal supporter for Palestine – said: “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.”

Gary also said that Ant and Dec are “brilliant”, and added that “it’s an honour to follow in their footsteps” when he was questioned at the winner’s press conference.

He said: “I’m doing great. I’m enjoying having weekends off for the first time in my adult life, which has been great fun. I’m still watching loads of football, still doing the same sort of things, and I’ve got a new show coming up for ITV, which I start filming next week – The Box, which goes out, I think, probably next year.”

Asked if the award proves he has not been cancelled, he said: “I don’t think anyone seriously thought that I was cancelled at any point. It was obviously just a mistake and oversight. And I think everyone saw it for that. So I was never in the slightest bit concerned for that.”

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Telling sign Ant and Dec may have been tipped off on NTA loss after 23 year reign

Former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker broke Ant and Dec’s 23 year long reign at the National Television Awards but the Geordie duo may have known it was coming

Ant and Dec lost out on a National Television Award for the first time in two decades(Image: antanddec/Instagram)

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly broke their 23-year winning streak at the National Television Awards last night, but one move may have proved they knew it was coming. The Geordie duo had picked up a gong at the annual TV celebrations every year for over two decades.

For years, those pitted against Ant and Dec would resign in the fact they knew they would lose out to the Saturday Night Takeaway hosts. However, last night’s ceremony marked the end of their impressive reign as Gary Lineker swooped in instead.

Others stars nominated included Stacey Solomon, Alison Hammond and Claudia Winkleman. Gary’s win came just months after his early exit from BBC’s Match Of The Day in May.

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon leaves NTAs empty-handed in another awards show blowREAD MORE: Gary Lineker makes candid confession about his BBC axe after winning an NTA

Ant and Dec
Ant and Dec skipped the award ceremony(Image: antanddec/Instagram)
Gary Lineker
Gary won what he called the ‘Ant and Dec award’(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

He even joked he had won the “Ant and Dec trophy” in his winner’s speech. However, it seems Ant and Dec could have known they were going to miss out on the award as they skipped the ceremony.

The presenting duo were instead in South Africa, where they even discussed the possibility of losing the award. In a post on their joint Instagram, Dec said: “Hey team, just us coming to you from South Africa.

“Just wanted to say that now the votes are closed and it’s in and it’s all done. Thank you.” Ant added: “There’s nothing more we can do about it.”

“So we want to say thank you to everybody who voted for us for the National Television Awards,” Dec continued. Ant said: “We really appreciate it. Sorry we can’t be there tonight but we are in South Africa!”

Ant and Dec have won the TV Presenter award 23 years in a row
Ant and Dec have won the TV Presenter award 23 years in a row(Image: WireImage)

Addressing the outcome, Dec shared: “Whether we win or we lose, thank you for taking the time to nominate us. We will be out here fingers crossed to see what happens later.”

The duo then admitted they wouldn’t be able to watch the show as it wasn’t available in the country. Ant quipped: “Text us,” as Dec added: “Let us know if we win or not. Fingers crossed.”

Gary’s win comes after his early exit from Match of the Day following a series of controversies around his social media posts. Speaking after his win about his future, he said: “I really don’t know. At the moment, I’m really looking forward to working with ITV and I’ve got a podcast business that I have to run so I’m not so sure. I’ve got so many great memories from such a long period at the BBC.”

He added: “I don’t think anyone thought I was cancelled. It was obviously just a mistake, an oversight. I was never in the slightest bit concerned for that but this is lovely and there’s no doubt that there’s perhaps a message here that it’s ok to share your views and speak up for those who don’t perhaps have a voice.”

Prior to his win on Wednesday night, Gary had received the backing of his The Rest is Football podcast pal Alan Shearer. Whilst many might have expected former Magpie Shearer to support his Geordie pals, the ex- Premier League legend is thought to have bucked the trend and voted for his sports mate.

After laughing off the suggestion that he was only going to attend the ceremony if he won, Gary told the podcast it was the “Ant and Dec award anyway”. He hinted he thought he had little hope of winning. However, Shearer acted shocked before adding: “I have voted for you, though.”

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Katie Price shocks Kerry Katona as she admits to spending six-figure sum on a horse

Katie Price has never been afraid to splash the cash when it comes to her beloved animals, and she made a hefty admission on the opening night of her UK tour with pal Kerry Katona

Katie Price’s £250,000 horse bombshell stuns Kerry Katona during tour(Image: YOUTUBE)

Katie Price doesn’t hold back when it comes to splashing the cash on her beloved animals, admitting to once paying a quarter of a million pounds for a horse.

The twice-bankrupt star, 47, made the admission during the opening night of her UK tour with pal Kerry Katona. In addition to opening up about her doomed marriage to Peter Andre and her mental health battles, the mum-of-five also recalled some happier moments in her life.

Despite having an unfortunate track record when it comes to animals remaining alive in her car, with the RSPCA calling on her to banned from pet ownership, Katie consistently credits spending time with animals keeps her wellbeing on track.

READ MORE: ‘Katie Price and Kerry Katona’s show was a terrifying experience – but I’d go again’READ MORE: ‘Kirstie Allsopp should remember what she said in 2011 before criticising RMT strikers’

Katie with her horse
Katie Price loves horses so much she’s willing to shell out six-figure sum (Image: instagram.com/katieprice)
Katie Price and Kerry Katona attending a launch party for the new series of Geordie Shore
Kerry Katona was left gobsmacked after her co-star’s admission (Image: PA)

So it’s no surprise that horse lover Katie has never been afraid to fork out when it comes to her pets. Speaking on stage with Kerry in Fleetwood on Saturday night, Katie shocked her pal when she revealed just how much her love of her four-legged pals impacts her bank balance.

As the show’s compere asked the two women what one of their biggest expenditures were when they first found fame, Katie stunned co-star Kerry when she revealed she once shelled out £250,000 on a horse.

“£250,000 for a b*****d horse?!? What does he do, s**t gold eggs?,” Kerry exclaimed as Katie added: “I’ve had him 18 years – he wouldn’t be worth s**t now but he was then – and I love him. To me, it’s worth every penny because he’s been with me through it all and when I ride, it’s just the best thing.”

Katie may have a lifelong passion for horses and has owned many, but she has also been involved in a series of serious animal welfare concerns and incidents.

A petition on change.org boasts over 37,000 backers at the time of writing, and is directed to the RSPCA and PETA regarding “Ban Katie Price from buying any more animals.”

It was established in 2020 following the demise of her French Bulldog pup Rolo, who was brought into the household for daughter Princess Andre’s 13th birthday. Katie, 46, disclosed that the tiny pup perished after being smothered in an armchair whilst she was packing in another room.

A representative for JRC Bullies – who “presented” the dog to the Loose Women personality – told the Mirror at the time: “We are heartbroken that this has happened as we told Katie not to leave a small puppy on its own. We can’t believe that the puppy was left unattended as we had left strict instructions.”

In the petition, the author declares: “A puppy has died in the last 24 hours in Katie Price’s care she bought this puppy for her 13 year old child 3 weeks ago. Which was killed in a accident no one witnessed.” [sic]

They claim: “In the last 5 years more animals have died from lack of care. Horses. dogs. cats lizards hedgehogs. This isn’t a single family tragedy. It’s a common thing in Katie Price’s home.

katie with a job
Katie doesn’t have the best luck when it comes to keeping animals alive (Image: @katieprice/Instagram)

“2 dogs have been ran over. Puppies were found dead drowning in a neglected swimming pool. A horse was run over on a motorway. Animals just go missing in her home never to been seen again.”

Whilst the petition appeals to PETA for assistance, the animal rights organisation has already tackled Katie’s care of her pets – and last year even offered her £5000 in cash if she signs a legal contract pledging never to purchase another animal.

In an open letter to the Celebrity Big Brother contestant, PETA’s Vice President Elisa Allen penned: “While your intentions may be good, the ever-growing number of animals who have either died under your supervision or been given away is impossible to ignore, and people are rightly concerned.

“Whatever you may offer as reasons for their suffering, relinquishment, or demise, the fact is that you are consistently harming these sensitive, sentient individuals, and I hope you agree that this is a solution.”

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Reports suggest that at least eight of Katie’s pets have died whilst in her care through various different circumstances, including five dogs, a horse, and a chameleon.