Sir David Attenborough wins best presenter at NTAs as he beats Ant and Dec
Sir David and Ant and Dec weren't at the ceremony on TuesdaySir David Attenborough has won Best Presenter at the National Television Awards, beating Ant and Dec in the public vote.
The 100-year-old broadcaster was honoured for narrating BBC programme Secret Garden, following his first nomination in the category. Sir David was absent, so long-time collaborator Mark Brownlow delivered his words from the stage.
The landmark result followed Sir David’s 100th birthday celebrations, which took place in May. His victory also extended Ant and Dec’s break from top spot, after Gary Lineker ended their 23-year run last year. The duo missed out again, making this another very different NTA night.
Viewers praise Sir David Attenborough after NTA win
Viewers quickly celebrated Sir David’s victory online. One viewer wrote: “Sir David Attenborough. Legend.”
Other fans called him a national treasure and praised the result. That included viewers who had supported Ant and Dec.
Sir David won against Ant and Dec, Stacey Solomon, Claudia Winkleman and Alison Hammond. Voters recognised his narration of BBC programme Secret Garden, which explored Britain’s backyards.
Sir David Attenborough uses NTA speech to urge action
Mark introduced the message by noting Sir David was in the 101st year of his life. His message linked the award to television’s role in raising environmental awareness.
On behalf of Sir David, 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 miss out on both NTA prizes
Ant and Dec were not at the ceremony. They were filming I’m A Celebrity spin-off The Wild Frontier at Whistler Olympic Park in Canada.
Their 23-year Best Presenter winning streak ended in 2025, when Gary Lineker took the prize. This year, Celebrity Traitors also defeated I’m A Celebrity in the Reality Competition category.
That left the pair empty-handed at the NTAs for the first time, The Sun reported.
NTAs 2026 ceremony brings more major winners
Alan Carr received the Special Recognition Award. Amanda Holden and Paloma Faith announced the honour after singing I Know Him So Well.
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show secured the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award, ahead of Gladiators and The Masked Singer. Michael joked: “We’ve just beaten all the Gladiators! I feel so strong right now!”
Gogglebox won Factual Entertainment, while Emmerdale collected two soap prizes. The ITV soap won Serial Drama.
Jeff Hordley also triumphed for playing Cain Dingle during the character’s prostate cancer storyline. He beat EastEnders actor Paul Bradley, who played Nigel Bates during the character’s dementia farewell.
Joel Dommett hosted the ceremony at London’s O2 Arena. ITV1 aired the event live after a month of public voting.
You can watch the National Television Awards on ITVX.
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.
