Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have said they were “really pleased” for Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly after they won Best Presenter at last night’s National Television Awards.
The Geordie duo were shocked when they bagged the award even though Ant, 41, took an extended break from work commitments last year to focus on his recovery.
And the pair have received some backlash from people claiming Ant didn’t “deserve” to be in the running for his NTA since he took most of last year off.
Read more: Holly and Phil miss the start of This Morning after heavy night at NTAs
During Wednesday’s This Morning, Holly and Phil praised the pair for winning the award for the 18th consecutive year.
Speaking about Ant’s speech as they accepted the award, Phil said: “That was a lovely speech. A big relief for them, a hell of a year.”
Holly added: “Lovely for Dec also. Ant said it, didn’t he? It was lovely. There were just so many of those moments that were just right and lovely.”
Later in the show, Holly, Phil and Alison Hammond were discussing the emotional moment Ant and Dec found out they had won the award.
Holly said: “You really felt it didn’t you?”
Phil added: “It meant a lot to them. Thrilled for them. Really really pleased with that.”
Last night, The Britain’s Got Talent hosts were not at London’s The O2 to hear they had picked up the accolade.
Shocked to find out they won the award, Ant said: “Oh wow. Wow. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, very much. This is a genuine shock, especially this year, I’m shaking here. I want to say thank you to everybody.
“I don’t feel I can accept this award this year, the one reason we got it because of this guy, his hard work, dedication, wit, funniness and being the best mate there is, I love you, well done.”
Dec added: “Thank you, thank you to everyone who sent kind and thoughtful messages while I was flying the flag for the two of us, I’ve got him back now.”
Thank you doesn’t seem to cover it this year. We are humbled and honoured. We are so appreciative of your continued support and good wishes, they are never taken for granted. Thank u again. Now back to #BGT auditions! D x #NTAs pic.twitter.com/rCzle3FmuM
— antanddec (@antanddec) 22 January 2019
However, while many fans were delighted to see the pair win the award, others felt Ant shouldn’t be accepting the gong due to his break from TV commitments last year following his drink-drive arrest in March.
Ant missed out on a number of Saturday Night Takeaway episodes while leaving Dec to host solo for the first time in his career.
He also decided not to co-host I’m A Celebrity with his telly partner, leaving Holly to step in and join Dec in Australia.
Read more: Ant McPartlin hits back at criticism of emotional NTAs win
But seemingly in response to negative reactions, the stars’ joint Twitter account retweeted a breakdown of Ant’s telly appearances, explaining to his detractors how he was indeed eligible for NTA recognition.
It said: “To those of you who are hating: Ant McPartlin hosted all 6 of the @BGT audition episodes last year & 3 of the @ITVTakeaway live shows, so he is eligible & they both deserve it.”
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