There was a huge shock in store at this year’s National Television Awards as Geordie duo Ant and Dec missed out on the Best Presenter award for the first time in years

There was a huge surprise on the cards as Gary Lineker pipped Ant and Dec to the coveted Best Presenter award at this year’s NTAs. The shocking victory, revealed by Alesha Dixon, saw the Geordie duo miss out on the accolade for the first time in 24 years.

Gary, who left his longtime position as presenter of BBC’s Match of the Day following the end of last season, was stunned as he accepted the award. Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have dominated the National Television Awards’ Best TV Presenter category for an unprecedented 23 consecutive years. But fans were stunned by their latest defeat.

And even Gary joked he had won the “Ant and Dec trophy”. The star mocked the Newcastle United fans for losing in the same year their Magpies finally won a trophy for the first time in 70 years. He went on to say he feels it is important for those in positions to “use our platform to speak up for those who have no voice”.

Gary Lineker with his award ( 
Image:
PA)
Seasoned broadcaster Gary, 64, was honoured just months after his early exit from BBC’s Match Of The Day in May. He departed his role as the main presenter of BBC’s huge football show earlier than first expected.

His exit stemmed from a series of controversies related to his social media activity, specifically a post in May 2025 concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that included a rat emoji.

The rat image has been historically used in antisemitic propaganda and while Lineker said sorry for sharing the post, explaining he was unaware of the image, he said he “would never knowingly share anything antisemitic”.

However, the controversy led to the BBC confirming his early exit from the show, and also stated he would not be part of their coverage for the 2026 World Cup or the 2025/26 FA Cup.

The I’m A Celebrity presenters and former footballer went up against Claudia Winkleman, Alison Hammond and Stacey Solomon. Gary was joined at the ceremony by his sons and had earlier joked to presenter Joel Dommett that “an award would be nice” when asked what he wanted as Davina McCall massaged his shoulders.

Gary had received the backing of his The Rest is Football podcast pal Alan Shearer prior to the announcement. Whilst many might have expected former Magpie Shearer to support his Geordie pals, the ex-Premier League legend is thought to have bucked the trend.

Gary Lineker on the NTAs red carpet ( 
Image:
Getty Images for the NTA’s)
During the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, former Tottenham Hotspur forward Lineker revealed his NTA nominations. He said: “I’m going to the NTAs tonight, I’ve been nominated chaps, nominated, how about that?”

Both Shearer and Micah Richards offered their friend some words of encouragement, with the latter joking: “Aw, go on Gaz, have you got any wind? Have you sent a text out or what to say, ‘I’m only turning up if I’m getting the award.’”

He laughed off the suggestion, and insisted it was the “Ant and Dec award anyway,” hinting he thought he had little hope of winning. Shearer acted shocked before adding: “I have voted for you, though.”