Gary Lineker, the outspoken Match of the Day host, transformed the National Television Awards into a platform for a pointed commentary on free speech, delivering a speech that resonated far beyond the glitz of the O2 Arena.
Accepting the coveted Special Recognition Award, Lineker made a not-so-subtle reference to his high-profile suspension by the BBC earlier this year. His remarks were met with a wave of applause from the industry audience, underscoring the ongoing debate about impartiality and expression in broadcasting.
An End of an Era for Ant and Dec
In a seismic shift for the annual ceremony, television's golden duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were dethroned after a staggering 21-year winning streak. The prestigious Best Presenter award was snatched by the formidable trio of The Great British Bake Off's Alison Hammond and veteran broadcaster duo Ant and Dec.
This historic loss marks the end of an unprecedented era in British television awards, breaking one of the most reliable records in entertainment.
A Night of Triumph and Tribute
Lineker's award was presented by his friend and former colleague, Dan Walker, who cheekily referenced the BBC scandal in his introduction. The ceremony also saw major wins for fan favourites.
BBC's Happy Valley secured the coveted Drama Performance award for Sarah Lancashire, while the gripping series also took home the award for Returning Drama. ITV's The Chase continued its dominance, winning in the Quiz Game Show category, and Netflix's global phenomenon Heartstopper was celebrated as the winner in the Rising Star category.
The evening served as a powerful reminder of television's enduring impact, blending moments of heartfelt tribute with unexpected upsets and a dash of political commentary.
