In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the broadcasting industry, the National Television Awards (NTAs) has unveiled its 2025 shortlist for Best Presenter, with one glaring omission: Gary Lineker.
The BBC's flagship football anchor, who dominated headlines throughout 2023 and 2024, has been left off the roster entirely. This snub comes despite a year where Lineker was at the centre of a national firestorm over his impartiality, leading to a brief suspension from Match of the Day that captivated the nation.
Instead, the category is set to be a familiar showdown. Reigning champions Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are poised to defend their crown, a title they have held for a staggering 22 consecutive years. They face stiff competition from the likes of Alison Hammond, Bradley Walsh, and Martin Lewis.
A Year of High Ratings and Higher Drama
Lineker's absence is particularly puzzling given his show's performance. Match of the Day remains one of the BBC's most-watched programmes, consistently pulling in millions of viewers every weekend. His brief suspension, prompted by comments on the government's immigration policy, did nothing to dent his popularity; in fact, it sparked a wave of solidarity from colleagues and the public alike.
Many industry commentators are viewing the NTA's decision as a major oversight, failing to recognise a presenter who has been at the heart of the UK's cultural conversation.
The Unstoppable Force of Ant and Dec
While Lineker sits out, the juggernaut that is Ant and Dec rolls on. The Geordie duo's relentless grip on the Best Presenter trophy is one of British television's most enduring streaks. Their work on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! and Britain's Got Talent continues to make them household favourites and the ones to beat.
The full results, determined solely by the public vote, will be revealed in a live ceremony this September, promising another night of glitz, glamour, and potential surprises.
