DAVINA McCall broke down in tears as she received the NTAs Special Recognition Award after almost 30 years as a presenter.
Presenter Davina, 56, received a standing ovation at The O2 Arena tonight after a VT of her illustrous career was shown on the big screen.
The likes of Dermot O’Leary, Alison Hammond and Claudia Winkleman heaped praise on her as they spoke about their friendships with her.
After being handed the gong by Hannah Waddingham, she said: “Thank you so much, this means so much. I can’t even begin to tell you, I don’t even know where to start.”
The TV legend added elsewhere: “I love my job, I feel so priviliged to be able to share it with you. You might like some of it, not all of it. I’ve presented some Turkeys, I know!”
And paying tribute to her boyfriend, Michael Douglas, Davina said: “I love being on this journey with you. You make me a better person and you make me so happy. Thank you.”
She also made a joke about him being “the younger one” as opposed to the Hollywood actor with the same name.
Still one of ITV’s biggest names, she’s on the panel of Saturday night show The Masked Singer and is about to return to front middle-aged dating show My Mum, Your Dad next week.
But Davina will always be remembered for launching Big Brother, the world’s most famous reality TV show on Channel 4 back in the year 2000 – a career-defining role she held for a decade.
Since then she went on to host ITV’s Long Lost family, which won a string of awards, and she won personal plaudits for her two Channel 4 documentaries looking at women’s struggles with the menopause and contraception.
Davina, who was presented with her prestigious gong by actor and singer Hannah Waddingham, joins a prestigious collection of former recipients of the Special Recognition Award.
Previous names have included actress Sarah Lancashire, Sir Lenny Henry, David Dimbleby and the late Paul O’Grady.
Strictly Come Dancing waltzed away with the top prize in the talent show category in a big boost for the BBC amid a whirlwind of controversy over how contestants are treated.
The show beat off competitors MasterChef, Britain’s Got Talent, The Great British Bake Off and The Voice UK to win the gong.
Head judge Shirley Ballas said: “I’m absolutely, totally honoured to be part of Strictly’s 20th year because it’s a show that brings families together. I think it’s a staple in people’s homes.”
Giovanni Pernice left Strictly this year after nine years following an official complaint made against him by his 2023 partner, Amanda Abbington.
Amanda, who quit the hit show early last year, has called Giovanni’s behaviour towards her “abusive”- but the Italian has denied any wrongdoing.
Then, fellow pro Graziano Di Prima was sacked when video footage emerged of him allegedly kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott.
Earlier, comedy duo Ant and Dec made history as they won the NTA award for Best Presenter for the 23rd year in a row.
In a humble speech, Ant said: “I know we’re not going to win it one year.”
COMMENT BY ROD MCPHEE
THE only surprise at tonight’s National Television Awards was that there were virtually no surprises.
Ant and Dec took home Presenter Award for the millionth time, Strictly bagged the Talent Show gong and I’m A Celebrity triumphed in the Entertainment category.
Kate Garraway scooping the authored documentary award for Derek’s Story was entirely deserved, but not a total shock either as she’d already done the same two years ago with Caring for Derek.
There were a few curveballs. Emmerdale beating Goliath soaps EastEnders and Corrie was unexpected, particularly as the rivals have both boasted big storylines recently.
And though there was no doubting how hugely moving Mr BatesVs The Post Office was for viewers this year, it was still stunning to see them bag three awards.
Does the general lack of surprises diminish the thrill of the NTAs? Not at all. It remains one of the few awards shows which actually gauges what the majority of Brits are actually watching.
We live in a bewildering world where scandals often rock shows, in an age where streaming means the shared experience is diminished and ratings are hard to decipher.
But year in, year out NTA voters leave us in no doubt which shows they adore, which ones they’ve fallen out of love with, and which celebrities they’re prepared to back.
Look at how quickly relatively new shows like The Traitors, Bridgerton and The 1% Club have been embraced by NTA voters.
They aren’t interested in PR stunts and promotion, in highbrow actors and writers lauded by their fellow luvvies and they certainly can’t stand having what they ought to be watching dictated to them
They tell us all loud and clear, every year, who they consider to be the best – and woe betide any telly exec who ignores them.
And Dec also revealed that instead of hitting the after parties, he’ll be going home ready for “the school run”.
Holly Willoughby was seen beaming earlier as she presented the award for the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award to I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.
It is the first time Holly has appeared on TV since leaving This Morning last year.
Graham Norton proudly presented the first award of the night to Sort Your Life Out as they scooped the prize in the Factual Entertainment category.
Stacey Solomon and her team of experts help transform people’s homes and lives from clutter and chaos to organised living in the hit BBC show.
Host Joel Dommett got the NTA’s off to a flyer at 8pm to rapturous applause from the crowd as he showed off his singing and dancing skills.
Iconic British comedians Ant & Dec, Michael McIntyre and presenter Dermot O’Leary smiled as they greeted the cameras at the red carpet earlier.
This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes and Strictly Come Dancing winner Elle Leach were pictured strutting their stuff.
