In a classic case of awards show banter gone wrong, National Television Awards host Joel Dommett has found himself at the centre of an awkward controversy after being accused of joke theft during Wednesday night's ceremony.
The comedian and presenter took to his Instagram Stories to address the growing social media storm, clarifying an uncomfortable moment that occurred during his opening monologue. The incident unfolded when Dommett appeared to recycle a joke originally made by fellow comic Adam Hills, leaving viewers cringing and taking to social media to call out the apparent plagiarism.
The Moment That Sparked the Backlash
During his opening address, Dommett quipped about the abundance of reality stars in attendance, making a remark that many viewers immediately recognised from Hills' previous work. The joke, which played on the notion of reality television personalities becoming household names, landed with an uncomfortable thud as audiences noticed the similarity.
Social media platforms quickly lit up with comments from sharp-eared viewers who recognised the material. "That's Adam Hills' joke!" became a trending topic among British television fans watching the live broadcast from London's OVO Arena Wembley.
Dommett's Damage Control
Responding to the mounting criticism, Dommett posted a clarification on his Instagram account, explaining the context behind the awkward moment. Rather than denying the similarity, the presenter addressed the situation head-on, providing his version of events to his 400,000-plus followers.
In his social media response, Dommett acknowledged the resemblance to Hills' material while attempting to contextualise the situation within the high-pressure environment of live television hosting. His decision to confront the issue directly reflects the modern reality for public figures, where social media backlash requires immediate damage control.
The Pressure of Live Television
The incident highlights the immense pressure facing awards show hosts in the age of social media scrutiny. With millions watching live and thousands ready to comment online, every joke and remark undergoes immediate public dissection.
For comedians like Dommett, who have built their careers on original material, accusations of joke theft represent particularly sensitive territory. The entertainment industry has long grappled with issues of creative ownership, but social media has dramatically accelerated the call-out culture surrounding such incidents.
This isn't the first time an awards show host has faced criticism for recycled material, but Dommett's prompt response demonstrates how performers are adapting to the instant feedback culture of modern television viewing.
