ITV viewers said they were left in 'absolute bits' after an emotional tribute and acceptance speech at the National Television Awards 2026. The ceremony returned on Tuesday, September 8, with Joel Dommett hosting for a sixth consecutive year at London's O2 Arena. All proceedings were broadcast live on ITV1 from 8pm and streamed simultaneously on ITVX.
The event celebrates the finest of British television and is renowned for its audience-voted winners. Among the hotly contested categories were factual entertainment, daytime, talent show, returning drama and The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award. A brand new category, Best Reality Documentary, also made its debut on the night.
Emotional Win for Our Girls: The Southport Families
Yet it was another moment that truly struck a chord with those watching at home. The Authored Documentary category saw five contenders go head-to-head: Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth, Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix, Our Girls: The Southport Families, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home and Sir Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage and Me.
Holly Willoughby took to the stage to present the award, announcing Our Girls: The Southport Families as the winner. The announcement was met with a standing ovation from the audience as the recipients made their way to the stage to collect their accolade. The cameras also captured visibly emotional celebrities, including Martin Lewis and Christine Lampard, who appeared to be fighting back tears.
Acceptance Speech and Viewer Reactions
During their acceptance speech, they said: "Thank you to everyone who voted. In 2024 the lives of six parents were changed forever." They added: "They want you to remember their girls forever through the charity work they're doing and please all of you find the time in the days and weeks ahead to help them make some good from the terrible things that happened in their lives."
Elsie's mum Jenny added: "We never expected to be up here so I don't know what to say. It's a documentary that never had to be made but it was. Thank you to everyone who voted. I know you didn't vote for us you voted for Elsie, Alice and Bebe and we're forever grateful."
Audiences watching from home were equally moved, with one viewer admitting they were 'sobbing'. People were swift to take to social media to express their feelings about the poignant moment. One person posted: "I'm in absolute bits." Another added: "My heart breaks for these parents." Someone else said: "That has just broken me. Absolutely deserved even though EVERYBODY would wish that they had the girls instead of an award."
While one viewer commented: "Those three beautiful girls will forever be part of the nations heart And will never be forgotten." And another noted: "This is sad. Even Joel was battling the tears."
