NTAs viewers divided as teary Alan Carr sparks backlash following Special Recognition win
Alan was gobsmacked!Alan Carr’s coffin-themed NTAs tribute left viewers hailing the surprise as a standout moment.
Amanda Holden sang during the elaborate sketch before Paloma Faith appeared on stage inside the coffin. Paloma, his Celebrity Traitors co-star, helped turn the Special Recognition reveal into a theatrical celebration.
Some viewers on X praised the entrance and the joke behind it.
One posted: “Paloma Faith singing in a coffin to honour Alan Carr is the greatest NTAs moment ever.”
“Alan Carr’s Special Recognition Award surprise reveal is the CAMPEST THING I have ever seen. Paloma Faith rising from the coffin? Exceptional,” another person shared.
‘Waiting to see what he’s actually done to deserve it’
However, other viewers were very divided over Alan winning the award.
“Can’t stand Alan Carr,” one user wrote.
“Me watching Alan Carr get his lifetime achievement award and waiting to see what he’s actually done to deserve it,” another person shared.
“Amanda Holden singing, Kate Garroway back on the stage after milking her husband’s death for every award and Alan Carr getting a lifetime award for pretending to do up some houses in Greece. Just give me something for the pain already,” a third remarked.
“Can’t abide him. The most annoying guy and voice on TV,” a fourth said.
Meanwhile, others were happy for the comedian, writing: “Couldn’t pick a better recipient! Alan Carr is a national treasure x.”
“That was something but, for a well deserved moment. Alan Carr has been an icon for so long!!!” another wrote.
“Soo happy for Alan Carr. What a great reaction,” a third insisted.
Alan Carr’s NTA tribute turns emotional
The coffin referenced Paloma’s savage murder in the Celebrity Traitors game. That connection gave fans an immediate visual joke before the award recipient became clear.
Alan admitted the surprise had worked. “This is how thick I am, it was only when Paloma came out that I realised it’s me,” he said.
Alan also joked that his front-row seat should have warned him an award was coming.
The comedian then broke down in tears while accepting the honour for his 20-year television career.
His shift from quick jokes to visible emotion gave the elaborate reveal a heartfelt finish.
Celebrity Traitors gives Alan Carr a second award
Later, Alan returned to the stage after Celebrity Traitors won the Reality Competition category.
The BBC programme beat The Traitors, Race Across the World and two I’m A Celebrity series.
Collecting his second award of the night, Alan quipped: “I bet you’re sick of me.”
Charlotte Church then praised Alan, Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga for showing tenderness and emotion.
Read more: Sir Tom Jones hits out at ITV after being dropped from The Voice UK: ‘It wasn’t my decision’
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
