APPRENTICE star Lord Sugar has hit out at the National Television Awards, claiming Wednesday night’s wins were a “fix”.
The business mogul, 77, took to X, formerly Twitter, to share his thoughts on the star-studded night where Ant and Dec, Kate Garraway, and The Chase all took home wins.
He wrote: “Suprise Suprise [sic] Ant and Dec win an award at the NTA. DONALD TRUMP would say it’s a fix.
“Guess what the cookery, travel, football, beauty and football categories have been won by Ant and Dec
“Double award for Ant and Dec. This NTA’s is an ITV show. Coincidence or not?
“Kate Garraway it is truly a very sad story. ANOTHER ITV award to one of their employee’s.
“The Chase another ITV show. Who counts the votes ? Coincidence! [sic]”
When an X user claimed Ant and Dec won because they don’t host a “scripted show like The Apprentice,” Lord Sugar hit back: “Shut up, idiot. The Apprentice isn’t scripted. We don’t know what candidates will say in the street or boardroom.”
The businessman also revealed that he no longer attends the NTAs knowing that The Apprentice won’t win – even though it was nominated this year in the Reality Competition category.
Unfortunately, the programme wasn’t successful as it was beaten by The Traitors – another BBC show.
Quizzed on why he didn’t attend this year’s ceremony, he wrote: “I was invited but for 18 years I have learnt we won’t win karren has also learnt but Tim is still learning ( having said that like Nick they would both go to a an opening if an envelope @Nick_Hewer @karren_brady @TC_MBE [sic]”
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.
