You’ve helped me through a tough year
Ant’s tearful speech at the National TV Awards
TEARFUL Ant McPartlin was last night rewarded with three NTA gongs after winning his fight to stay at the top of his game – despite his year from hell.
He leapt to the stage with co-star Declan Donnelly, 42, to collect Best Challenge show, Best Presenter, and the first Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award.
“I’m shaking. It’s been a very emotional night tonight,” said Ant, also 42, as he picked up the pair’s 17th Best Presenter gong. “It’s been quite a year, quite a tough 12 months. I’d better not cry.”
Dec added: “Thank you for taking the time to vote for us, it’s really appreciated, possibly this year more than any other.”
Widow Wilnelia Forsyth, 60, gave out the pair’s third gong, in memory of Ant and Dec’s hero Sir Bruce, for Saturday Night Takeaway. Ant thanked her, saying: “We started filming today with a little tribute to Sir Bruce.”
The duo have won Best Entertainment Programme 11 times, for both Takeaway and I’m a Celebrity. But Ant’s achievements stand out more than ever after emerging from three months’ rehab last year for addictions and depression. The pressure on his 17-year relationship with wife Lisa Armstrong was too much and this month he announced he was ending their marriage of 11 years. But Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist Lisa, 41, had some consolation when her show was named Best Talent Show. Judge Shirley Ballas revealed afterwards she would love to return to the show. Earlier, TV Judge winner David Walliams, 46, hugged and kissed Ant and Dec before he took to the stage to collect his award. “I don’t look upon this as a victory, but total humiliation for Simon Cowell,” he joked. Suranne Jones did a double with Best Drama Performance for Doctor Foster, which also took Best Drama. And Corrie’s Lucy Fallon took Best Serial Drama Performance for her gripping role as grooming victim Bethany Platt. Sir David Attenborough, 91, received a standing ovation for Blue Planet II, which won the Impact Award.