In what will be remembered as one of the most seismic upsets in British television awards history, the undisputed kings of Saturday night entertainment, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, have finally been toppled from their throne.
The iconic duo, who had held an iron grip on the National Television Awards' Best Presenter category for an astonishing 21 consecutive years, saw their historic winning streak come to a dramatic end on Tuesday night. In a result that sent shockwaves through the O2 Arena, the coveted gold trophy was instead awarded to former England footballer and seasoned broadcaster Gary Lineker.
A New Champion Emerges
Lineker secured his surprise victory for his wildly successful podcast, 'The Rest Is Football', which he hosts alongside fellow football pundits Micah Richards and Alan Shearer. The win in the fiercely competitive Podcast category signifies a monumental shift in the media landscape, proving the rising power of digital audio content against traditional television giants.
A visibly stunned Lineker accepted the award, acknowledging the significance of the moment. The victory marks a rare NTA triumph for the BBC-backed podcast, which has captivated football fans since its launch.
Grace in Defeat: Ant and Dec's Reaction
Despite the end of their unparalleled run, Ant and Dec displayed their trademark professionalism and grace. The pair, who were still nominated for their work on ITV's 'Saturday Night Takeaway', were captured on camera the moment Lineker's name was announced.
Rather than showing disappointment, the Geordie duo immediately broke into genuine, warm smiles and hearty applause for their competitor. A clip of their reaction, showing Dec nodding appreciatively and Ant clapping enthusiastically, quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising their sheer class in defeat.
Their gracious response underscored why they have remained beloved figures for over two decades, proving that sometimes how you handle a loss is more telling than how you celebrate a win.
The End of an Era
This loss concludes what is arguably the most dominant streak in British entertainment awards history. Since first winning the Best Presenter award in 2001, Ant and Dec have become synonymous with the NTA ceremony itself, their annual victory a near-certainty that punctuated the night.
Their reign outlasts numerous trends and rivals, solidifying their legacy as two of the most successful and consistent entertainers the UK has ever produced. While their streak may be over, their status as national treasures remains utterly unshaken.
