Gary Lineker caused a major upset by winning the prestigious Best Presenter award at this year’s NTAs, beating out long-standing favorites Ant and Dec. This unexpected win, announced by Alesha Dixon, marked the first time in 24 years that the popular Geordie duo missed out on the accolade.
Having recently departed his role as the host of BBC’s Match of the Day, Gary was visibly surprised as he accepted the award. Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly had held a tight grip on the Best TV Presenter category at the National Television Awards for an unprecedented 23 consecutive years, making this loss a shock to fans.
In a light-hearted moment, Gary humorously referred to his win as the “Ant and Dec trophy,” poking fun at Newcastle United fans for losing out in the same year their team broke a 70-year trophy drought. He emphasized the importance of using one’s platform to advocate for marginalized voices.
The seasoned broadcaster, aged 64, received the honor shortly after his early exit from BBC’s Match Of The Day in May. His departure was prompted by controversies surrounding a social media post in May 2025 related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which inadvertently included an image with historical antisemitic connotations.
Despite apologizing for the unintended offense caused by the post, Gary faced consequences that led to his early departure from the show and exclusion from BBC’s coverage of the upcoming World Cup and FA Cup seasons.
Competing against Claudia Winkleman, Alison Hammond, and Stacey Solomon, Gary attended the ceremony with his sons and humorously expressed his desire for an award during a pre-ceremony chat. He received support from his friend and podcast mate Alan Shearer, who surprised many by backing Gary over his fellow Geordie pals.
During a recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary shared his excitement about being nominated for the NTAs. Despite downplaying his chances of winning, he received words of encouragement from Shearer and Micah Richards, with Shearer confirming his vote for Gary.
The unexpected victory at the NTAs marked a significant moment in Gary Lineker’s career, showcasing his enduring popularity and influence in the entertainment industry.