Sir David Attenborough, 100, gives emotional NTAs speech after beating Ant and Dec to top gong but doesn’t attend event

SIR David Attenborough won the Best Presenter National Television Award award last night — as Ant and Dec went home empty-handed for the first time. The veteran broadcaster — who turned 100 in May — triumphed after his first nomination in the category. Sir David Attenborough has bagged the Best Presenter National Television Award in his 100th year Credit: Photographer Alex Board BBC NHU Sir David’s win meant that presenting duo Ant & Dec left the awards empty-handed for the first time ever Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Ant and Dec were denied Best Presenter again — after their 23-year winning run was ended by Gary Lineker last year. But, unlike in 2025, they did not have the consolation of a win in the best Reality Competition category because I’m A Celeb was beaten by Celebrity Traitors. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Sir David was voted top by the public after a year in which he narrated BBC show Secret Garden, which explored Britain’s backyards. The beloved naturalist did not attend the bash at London’s O2. READ MORE ON THE NTA SHOW Sir David was included in the Presenter category for the first time – and TV fans championed the beloved naturalist to celebrate his 100th birthday Credit: BBC The beloved naturalist did not attend the bash at London’s O2. Credit: AFP But a speech read out on his behalf by long-time collaborator Mark Brownlow said he hoped it was recognition of the issues he has highlighted on his programmes. He said: “If this award is a response to the part television has played in the growing recognition not only of the terrible plight that our wonderful planet is in as a consequence of human activity, but also of the fact that we now have a pressing responsibility to do what we can to protect and conserve it, I am honoured indeed.” Ant and Dec, both 50, did not have to hide their blushes as they are holed up in Whistler Olympic Park, Canada, where they are filming I’m A Celebrity spin-off The Wild Frontier. Queens of primetime Stacey Solomon, Claudia Winkleman and Alison Hammond had also been up for the title in the category. Alan Carr was the surprise winner of this year’s Special Recognition Award, which was announced live by his pals Amanda Holden and Paloma Faith. Most read in TV Ant and Dec, both 50, did not have to hide their blushes as they are holed up in Whistler Olympic Park, Canada, where they are filming I’m A Celebrity spin-off The Wild Frontier Credit: ITV Ant and Dec suffered a shock defeat at the NTAs last year after 23 years of winning the Best Presenter gong, losing out to Gary Lineker Credit: Getty They sang I Know Him So Well before handing over the gong. Alan has had a storming year after winning The Celebrity Traitors and his ITV show Changing Ends was nominated for comedy, but lost out to Mrs Brown’s Boys. Speaking on the red carpet, Alan told The Sun he was relishing being the busiest man in showbiz, saying: “It feels good. I worked in a shampoo packing factory, I was in a call centre for six years. This is the dream, meeting people shouting your name, people asking you questions, it’s wonderful.” He added: “You know, hey, you’ve just got to enjoy it. It won’t always be like that. In a few years I’ll be in the jungle eating crocodile c**k! Ant & Dec won their first National Television Award for Best Entertainment Presenter in 2001 Credit: Rex Features Claudia Winkleman beat Ant & Dec to the Reality Competition category Credit: BBC “Bring it on, that’s what I’d say. Koala anus, yum.” A batch of bulky Gladiators were in attendance including Montell Douglas (Fire) and Harry Aikines Aryeetey (Nitro) as the BBC show enjoyed its first year nominated in the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award — but were beaten by Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. Michael, acknowledging his tough competition, said: “We’ve just beaten all the Gladiators! I feel so strong right now!” The comic also beat awards ceremony host Joel Dommett’s ITV show The Masked Singer with its all-star panel of Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan and Davina McCall. Alan Carr was the surprise winner of this year’s Special Recognition Award Credit: BBC Michael McIntyre’s Big Show swiped the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award Credit: BBC Joel made light of always being nominated but never taking the win, saying of the defeat: “My trophy cabinet is empty.” Channel 4’s Gogglebox won the Factual Entertainment gong. Meanwhile, ITV’s Emmerdale celebrated a double win in the soapland competitions, taking best serial drama and also for star Jeff Hordley’s turn as Cain Dingle. His triumphant performance as Cain battles prostate cancer saw him beat competition from EastEnders’ Paul Bradley for Nigel Bates’ tragic goodbye after a long fight with dementia. The ceremony aired live on ITV1 last night after viewers had voted for their favourites over the past month. Additional reporting: Janine Yaqoob and Jake Penkethman. Comment now