Category Entertainment News

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.

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.”

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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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 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

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!”

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 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 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’

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.

“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.”

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.

Tanya Bardsley, 44, had a major operation hours after getting ready for the NTAs

A Real Housewives of Cheshire star had to be taken to the hospital and was left with no choice but to miss the NTAs as she “can’t take the pain anymore”. Tanya Bardsley, 44, was taken to the hospital after being admitted for a hysterectomy.

And it was scheduled for yesterday, the same day as the National Television Awards. She wrote: “Instead of putting a posh frock on for the NTAs tonight, I’m putting a hospital frock on for a hysterectomy! I can’t take the pain anymore.” [sic]

The reality TV personality explained that she has been battling with adenomyosis and fibroids, which are painful conditions that affect the womb and have left her in discomfort for years. She added: “I’m so grateful to my little womb (which is now seriously enlarged) for blessing me with the most beautiful babies I could ever have wished for, but it’s time for it to go.”

Tanya shared selfies from her bed, where she looked visibly in pain, as well as a photo of her swollen belly. She told fans she had been dismissed by doctors until she finally received a diagnosis from a specialist.

Fellow celebrities rallied around her in support, with Helen Flanagan commenting: “Hope you’re OK darling.” Presenter, Jenny Powell, said: “Here for you… lots of peppermint tea and play the 528 healing frequency in recovery… I’ll come see you soon.” [sic]

Claire Sweeney added: “Sending you love xx.” [sic] The Real Housewives star shares sons Rocco, Renz and Ralphi with her husband, former footballer Phil Bardsley, and has a daughter called Gabriella, from a previous relationship.