Joel Dommett: ‘Everything I have done has been getting me ready for this!’
Joel Dommett is preparing to play host at the NTAS
The National Television Award winners are about to be announced, with Joel Dommett making his
NTA presenting debut.
After a year in which we all watched TV a little more than we expected to, the event recognising the great and good on the small screen has more resonance than ever before. And it will see some of our favourite faces in the same room for the first time in almost two years!
As always, Ant and
Dec are on the Best Presenter list, but could first-time nominee in that category Alison Hammond take the trophy? And there is a new category for Authored Documentary, with Kate Garraway in the running for sharing her family’s experience with COVID as her husband Derek Draper battled his way out of hospital. Katie Price, Roman Kemp and Marcus Rashford also feature on the shortlist. For presenter Joel, 36, the evening of celebration cannot come soon enough…
How does it feel to be hosting the NTAS?
It’s crazy. Not only does it feel like I’ve landed my dream job, but it also feels really important, too. TV has played such an important part in all our lives for the last 18 months, so to finally be able to come together and celebrate, that is really significant.
How did you feel when you were asked?
I still can’t believe it, to be honest. I think it is absolutely mad. I don’t think it will sink in until I’ve said, “Thank you very much for watching, this has been the NTAS, my name is Joel Dommett, good night.”
Do you think they mean more this year?
I think so. The fact that we will all be in the O2 together under one roof finally is incredible. There will be so many talented people – all the nominees – it’s going to be an absolute blast. The NTAS is the big one for everyone who works within the TV industry. It’s the only awards show that really does showcase the diversity of TV and bring together the very best shows from all the genres. So I am incredibly proud to be hosting it and to be a part of it.
Are you feeling nervous?
I do feel nervous but not as nervous as I thought I would. I actually feel really excited and ready. I love live TV. I feel like everything I have done in my career has been getting me ready for this gig. I’m trying not to get too emotional beforehand because I don’t want it to affect me. I try not to get too excited or emotional about things until I have done them. It just helps me deal with the nerves better. I like to challenge myself and push myself. I don’t want to do things that are easy or comfortable. I think if something is a little scary or intimidating yet exciting, then it’s always good to take the risk and push yourself.
They all very big feet to fill and I only have size seven, which is a true story, so it obviously adds pressure. I can’t believe my name will be added to that list. It really is mind blowing. To be mentioned in the same breath as Sir Trevor Mcdonald is like a dream come true. They have all been so nice with advice and support. It’s such a cool job.
What advice have they given you?
The main bit of advice everyone has been telling me is just enjoy
Could it be Alison Hammond’s year? it and have fun. It is a really fun show without me having to do anything, so the main thing is for me to bring home this massive prestigious ship without sinking it or crashing into the Suez Canal. I can’t be anything other than myself. I am going to try to keep it upbeat and fun. All the tasty ingredients are already there so all I need to do is cook them up to make a gorgeous meal.
And you could be a winner too, as The
Masked Singer is up for an award…
If that won it would make the night even more perfect. It would be the cherry on the top of the cake, and I love cake and I love cherries, so that would be perfect.
Do you think it is in with a chance?
I honestly have no idea. It is too close to call. It is in such a brilliant and diverse group. You have The Masked Singer, which is the new kid on the block. You have Rupaul, which is huge and loved all across the world. It is another fun, feel-good show. Then you have other huge Saturday night shows like Strictly and BGT. You don’t get bigger telly institutions than them. I’m just excited that The Masked Singer is in the mix.
Why do you think it’s proved such a hit?
It doesn’t take itself seriously. It came along at a time when the world was so serious and it was the perfect show to just escape into and have fun with. It was this
weird Saturday night show that people would stumble across and get hooked on. They kind of started watching it by accident but then couldn’t turn it off. It is incredible to get to the point where not only is it really popular but it is also a cultural reference. It has brought families together who are normally on phones and laptops in different rooms. Family members of all ages are coming together again on a Saturday night to watch it and that’s what makes TV beautiful.
Who do you want to see win?
I am really excited for Alison Hammond to be on the shortlist. Everyone in the television industry just loves her. She is amazing to be around and hang out with. I think everyone has seen her career slowly go from strength to strength over the years. So to see her get to a point where she is nominated for Best Presenter and to see her name up against Ant and Dec is wonderful. I think there would be a lot of people who would love to see her win.
But can anyone beat Ant and Dec?
You never know – this could be the year. Having said that, it isn’t a fluke that they have won for the last 19 years. They haven’t won because there aren’t other amazing presenters to vote for. They have won every year because they are brilliant and they deliver every time.
The National TV Awards, Thursday 9 September, ITV