ITV viewers beam ‘so deserved’ as David Attenborough defeats Ant and Dec at National Television Awards

Held at London’s O2 Arena, the 31st edition of the NTAs was hosted by Joel Dommett for a sixth consecutive year.

The Geordie presenting duo had been hoping to reclaim the gong they once held for an extraordinary 23 years straight, a streak that ended in 2025 when Gary Lineker triumphed.

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However, it was the legendary naturalist who proved unbeatable in the eyes of the voting public, prompting widespread approval from viewers at home.

Mastermind presenter Clive Myrie had the honour of revealing the nominees and announcing the victor.

Competing alongside Ant and Dec were Alison Hammond from This Morning, Stacey Solomon for Sort Your Life Out, and Claudia Winkleman, recognised for her work on Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors.

When Mr Myrie read out Sir David’s name, the audience erupted in applause and cheers, with many rising to their feet in tribute.

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The centenarian was unable to attend the ceremony himself. Instead, long-standing collaborator and executive producer Mark Brownlow took to the stage to collect the award on his behalf.

“Sorry I’m not David,” Mr Brownlow told the crowd, before explaining that he had brought words from “the most trusted broadcaster who is in the 101st year of his life.”

Sir David’s letter, read aloud by Mr Brownlow, struck a characteristically impassioned tone about the state of the planet.

“I’m sorry that I cannot be here to accept it,” the message began. “If this award is a response to the part television has played in the growing recognition of the terrible plight our planet is in, and also of the fact we now have a pressing responsibility to do what we can to protect and preserve it, I am honoured.”

He called for both large-scale national and international action alongside individual efforts, noting that “small differences” made in people’s own spaces and neighbourhoods can collectively “add up to something significant.”

The letter concluded with a poignant appeal: “Humanity has always needed the natural world for all the practicalities of life and for our mental wellbeing. Now, the natural world needs us too.”

Social media was awash with praise for the result, with viewers declaring the outcome thoroughly merited.

“There will never be another like Sir David Attenborough and I’m sure the other presenters that lost also agree — he deserves all the awards he can get,” wrote one fan.

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Another conceded: “Massively wanted Ant and Dec to win tonight but how can you win against a National Treasure like Mr David Attenborough! The man is a legend and deserves it 100 per cent.”

“David Attenborough so richly deserved #NTAs,” another echoed.

Someone else enthused: “There is simply no better man alive than the great David Attenborough.”

“Amazing man love blue planet,” one more commented.

Sir David marked his centenary in May, an occasion celebrated with a special televised concert from the Royal Albert Hall and a dedicated week of BBC programming.

Elsewhere during the evening, comedian Alan Carr was visibly moved to tears upon receiving the special recognition award, while Jeremy Clarkson’s Clarkson’s Farm and Emmerdale’s Jeff Hordley also picked up prizes.