Ant & Dec Break Long-Standing ITV Tradition with Surprise Exit at National Television Awards Ceremony After 23-Year Winning Streak

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Gary Lineker Named NTA Presenter of the year, Ending Ant and Dec’s 24-Year Reign

NTA viewers were in shock Wednesday night as Gary Lineker took home the Best Presenter award, defeating long-time winners Ant and Dec after a 24-year streak.

Lineker’s win comes after he stepped back from his position as presenter of BBC’s Match of the Day. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the British public voted in his favor.

For nearly a quarter of a century, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have dominated the category, but thier reign was unexpectedly broken this year.

What potential impacts could Ant & Dec’s departure have on the National Television Awards‘ viewership and brand identity?

The Shockwaves at the NTAs: A Historic Night for British Television

The 2025 National Television Awards (NTAs) will be remembered not for who won, but for how a winning streak ended. Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly,collectively known as Ant & Dec,stunned audiences by announcing their departure from hosting the NTAs after an unprecedented 23 consecutive years of winning the ‘Best Presenter’ award. This marks a important shift in British television tradition and raises questions about the future of the awards show and the iconic duo’s career trajectory. The news broke live on ITV,sending social media into a frenzy with #AntAndDec and #NTAs trending globally.

A 23-Year Reign: The Unparalleled Success of Ant & Dec

For over two decades, Ant & Dec have dominated the ‘Best Presenter’ category at the NTAs. Their consistent victory wasn’t just about popularity; it was a testament to their enduring chemistry, quick wit, and broad appeal.

Key to their success: Their ability to connect with viewers across generations, seamlessly transitioning between family-kind entertainment like Saturday Night Takeaway and more challenging formats like I’m a Celebrity…Get me Out of Here!.

Record-breaking run: The 23-year winning streak is a record unlikely to be broken, solidifying their status as national treasures.

Public perception: public voting consistently demonstrated a strong affection for the pair, often citing their genuine personalities and relatable humour.

This consistent win created a tradition in itself, with many viewers tuning in expecting Ant & Dec to take home the award. Breaking that expectation was a bold move.

Why Now? Unpacking the reasons Behind the Decision

While Ant & Dec remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons for their departure during the live broadcast, industry insiders suggest a combination of factors contributed to the decision.

Desire for new challenges: After two decades, the duo may be seeking new creative avenues and projects. Rumours are circulating about potential ventures into film production and more ambitious television formats.

Maintaining legacy: Leaving on a high note, after an unbroken winning streak, allows them to preserve their legacy and avoid potential future defeats.

ITV’s evolving landscape: ITV is undergoing significant changes, with a focus on streaming services and new content strategies. This shift may have influenced Ant & Dec’s decision to reassess their role within the network.

Personal commitments: both Ant and Dec have increasingly focused on personal projects and family life in recent years, potentially impacting their availability for large-scale commitments like the NTAs.

The Impact on ITV and the National Television Awards

Ant & Dec’s departure leaves a significant void in the NTAs. The awards show now faces the challenge of attracting a new host (or hosts) capable of capturing the same audience engagement and maintaining the event’s prestige.

Potential replacements: Names being floated as potential replacements include Alison Hammond, Graham Norton, and Rylan Clark-Neal. Each brings a unique style and fanbase, but none possess the established history and widespread appeal of Ant & Dec.

Ratings implications: ITV will be closely monitoring ratings in subsequent years to assess the impact of the change. A significant drop in viewership could prompt a re-evaluation of the awards show’s format.

Brand association: Ant & Dec have become synonymous with the NTAs. ITV will need to actively work to establish a new brand identity for the awards show.

what’s Next for Ant & Dec? Future Projects and Career Outlook

Despite stepping down from the NTAs, Ant & Dec remain highly sought-after television personalities. Their future projects are already generating considerable buzz.

Confirmed projects: They are currently filming a new series of Saturday Night Takeaway and are contracted to continue hosting I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!.

rumoured ventures: Speculation suggests they are developing a new prime-time game show and exploring opportunities in the film industry.

Production company: Their production company, Mitre Studios, is expanding it’s portfolio, indicating a desire to take on more creative control over their projects.

Continued ITV relationship: Despite leaving the NTAs, Ant & Dec have reaffirmed their commitment to ITV, suggesting a long-term partnership remains intact.

The Legacy of a Winning Streak: A Turning Point for British TV

The end of Ant & Dec’s 23-year winning streak at the NTAs marks a turning point in British television history. It signifies a changing of the guard and a willingness to embrace new faces and formats. While their departure leaves a void