Ant and Dec left ‘shaking’ after 20th consecutive National Television Awards win

The Geordie duo of Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were once again named Best Presenter and took home the award, as they have done at each ceremony since 2001.

After a turbulent few years personally and the pandemic threatening their usual gigs, McPartlin labelled last night’s win as one “that means the most”.

He said: “You’ve no idea how special this is.

“Thank you very much indeed.

“We were talking in the car on the way here and the first year we won an NTA, Tony Blair was the prime minister and Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League.

“That goes to show how long ago that was.

“But this one means the most - 20 years, I’m shaking.”

Donnelly added: “It’s pretty overwhelming to be honest with you.

“So much has changed in both of our lives since 2001, but one thing that hasn’t changed is how unbelievably grateful we are that you take time, year after year, to vote for us and put us up here.

“We are so honoured and humbled and grateful. It means the absolute world.”

Ant and Dec’s prime time show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! nearly had to be pulled in 2020 as Covid restrictions made jetting celebs out to Australia difficult.

However, the show was revamped to take place in the Welsh countryside instead, still with the duo at the helm.

The ITV show was also victorious last night, winning the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award.

McPartlin said: “It was a real change to do it in Wales last year but it was absolutely brilliant.

“We loved it, we loved doing it there, and we can’t wait to go back and do it again this year.

“I can’t tell you what a joyous show it was to work on, every single person we encountered was amazing, my campmates were incredible, and the reception when we left was just beyond.

“It was amazing to know we were a part of a strange time. Thank you very much!”