Talent Show Overcomes Recent Scandals to Win Best Talent Show, While Ant and Dec Extend Winning Streak
How Did Strictly Come Dancing Win Best Talent Show Despite Recent Scandals?
Despite a turbulent few months following claims about the treatment of specific competitors, Strictly Come Dancing has won at the National Television Awards (NTAs), gaining the title of best talent program.
Having been a Saturday night classic for years, the famous dance event proved its ongoing appeal with viewers by surpassing rivals, including The Great British Bake Off and Britain’s Got Talent. Held at London’s O2 Arena, the NTAs saw Strictly outperform other highly regarded acts; popular voting determined the victors.
Onstage, co-host Tess Daly said, “My heart is pounding, Claude. That means the world, really, to all of us.” Her co-host, Claudia Winkleman, followed with, “This means everything. We sincerely appreciate it. We are going to perform congas.”
Following allegations concerning their attitude and teaching strategies during rehearsals, two professional dancers pulled from the performance were under lousy pressure for months before their victory. However, the issue was not discussed during the victory speech; the emphasis stayed on the success of winning.
What Was the Significance of Claudia Winkleman's Double Victory?
For Winkleman, another program she presented, The Traitors, was also honoured at the NTAs and brought home the best reality competition award. This evening was a double celebration. Winkleman is among the evening’s most outstanding winners as the show quickly attracted a sizable audience.
How Did ITV's Mr Bates vs the Post Office Sweep the Awards?
With three awards—Best New Drama and Best Drama Performance for Toby Jones, who played the lead role— ITV’s drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office was another major winner tonight. “This means an awful lot, not just to me but also to the extraordinary people who inspired our show, some of which are in the audience this evening,” Jones said in his emotional acceptance speech about the production’s relevance.
The show centres on the controversy involving falsely convicted sub-post managers accused of theft, fraud, and fraudulent accounting. A few of these people joined the actors on stage because the play also got a special impact award.
“What I would like you to know is I went to Westminster a couple of weeks back and saw the new minister,” said Jo Hamilton, one of the real-life victims of the Post Office crisis. She expressed her dismay with the present government’s reaction. And believe me, nothing has changed.”
How Did Ant and Dec Extend Their Best Presenter Winning Streak?
Ant and Dec kept their unmatched winning run in the category, bringing home the Best TV Presenter trophy for the 23rd year. The team again outpaced fierce opposition, including Stacey Solomon, Alison Hammond, Bradley Walsh, and Claudia Winkleman.
Declan Donnelly, obviously touched by the fans’ ongoing love, commented, “It’s hard to put into words just how this feels year after year.” His co-host, Ant McPartlin, noted, “It’s a delight. Although we know we won’t be winning one year, it’s not tonight.”
Sharing a moving personal tale, Donnelly credited his six-year-old daughter, Isla, with a fortunate charm for their victory. “She said, ‘Daddy, good luck tonight, I hope you win the trophy,'” leaving first thing this morning. She said, actually, “Take my lip balm, I think it will be good luck.” Isla, that worked!
Apart from their foremost honour, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Took home the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment honour among Ant and Dec’s most successful presentations. For the title, the famous reality program knocked off another smash by the pair, Saturday Night Takeaway.
What Made Kate Garraway's Win for Best Authored Documentary So Special?
Presenter Kate Garraway, whose documentary on her late husband, Derek Draper, won Best-Write documentary, also had a personal victory tonight. Tragically, Draper died in January following major Covid-19 problems.
Garraway dedicated the medal to her late husband even though she accepted it with her kids, Billy and Darcey. Fighting tears, she murmured, “It’s so strange to be here—this one’s for you, Derek, absolutely. “
Garraway used her address to urge improved support services for needy people and honour caretakers. “We need a system which catches us when we fall, not catches us out,” she remarked. “I’m going to keep the fight going for all of you.”
What Were the Highlights of a Night of Celebration and Reflection?
The National Television Awards honoured the finest in British television with significant prizes across various categories. The three best performers of the evening were Strictly Come Dancing, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, and The Traitors. Notwithstanding the current controversy over Strictly, the show’s triumph in the talent show category and the apparent delight of its presenters have shown viewers’ continuing affection for the long-running series.
While Kate Garraway’s moving homage to her husband brought a sad end to an evening full of successes, thoughts, and thankfulness, Ant and Dec’s 23rd straight award as best presenters was an emotional high point.
