Viewers tuning in to this year’s National Television Awards voiced their strong opinions about a notable TV personality missing out on a win. Many members of the audience expressed frustration over the continued lack of recognition for a veteran television presenter, questioning what more they needed to achieve to secure an award. The streak of wins spanning 24 years by Ant and Dec was broken this year with former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker taking home the prize.
While Lineker emerged victorious in the Best TV Presenter category, some viewers believed that other nominees were more deserving of the accolade. Social media platforms were flooded with fans expressing disappointment over the defeat of The Traitors’ host. Suggestions were made that Claudia Winkleman should have been the rightful recipient of the award, especially given Ant and Dec’s remarkable winning streak from 2000 to 2024.
Despite Lineker’s win this year, breaking the long-standing dominance of the Geordie duo, there were still viewers who felt Winkleman was unfairly overlooked once again. Comments on social media reflected the sentiment that Winkleman’s consistent performance deserved greater recognition.
The announcement of Lineker’s victory sparked a mix of reactions from viewers, with some expressing surprise that someone other than Ant and Dec had finally clinched the title, while others showed support for Lineker’s dedication to Match of the Day over the years. Lineker’s confirmation of his retirement from the show after the 2024/25 season added another layer of significance to his win.
Despite Lineker’s win, there were calls for a recount as some viewers believed that Winkleman should have been the rightful winner. The debate continued online with demands for Winkleman to receive the recognition she deserved, especially considering her multiple nominations and achievements in the industry.
Winkleman’s consistent nominations for Best TV Presenter, including recognition from prestigious awards like the BAFTA TV Award and the Royal Television Award, underscored her talent and contribution to the television industry.