In a surprising turn of events, Gary Lineker has ended the 23-year winning streak of popular duo Ant and Dec at the National Television Awards. The former Match of the Day presenter was named Best TV Presenter at the ceremony, marking a significant shift in viewer preferences.
The awards ceremony, held on Wednesday, saw Lineker triumph over long-standing winners Ant and Dec. This victory is particularly noteworthy as all categories are voted for by members of the public, indicating a change in audience sentiment.
Lineker's win comes after his departure from BBC's football show "Match of the Day" following a 26-year tenure that ended with last season's Premier League finale in May. His exit from BBC was also marked by his final appearance for the corporation amidst controversies surrounding his social media use.
Acceptance speech
Upon receiving this prestigious award, Lineker expressed gratitude towards everyone he had worked with during his career. He emphasized that this recognition "demonstrates that it is OK to use your platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice". This statement reflects Lineker’s commitment to using his influence for advocacy purposes.
He further added: "It's not lost on me why I might have won this award." This cryptic comment suggests an awareness about how his outspokenness may have contributed to him clinching this accolade.
Will he return to BBC?
When asked about potential future collaborations with BBC, Lineker remained uncertain but expressed enthusiasm about working with ITV. His move away from BBC marks an end to an era but also signals exciting new opportunities ahead for him within ITV’s programming landscape.
Gary Lineker’s victory at the National Television Awards signifies more than just an upset in the awards' history. It represents a shift in viewer preferences and an endorsement of his advocacy efforts. As Lineker embarks on his new journey with ITV, fans will be eagerly anticipating what he brings to the table next.
This year's National Television Awards have not only celebrated the best in television but also highlighted the power of public voting and how it can lead to unexpected yet deserving winners like Gary Lineker.
