This Morning has been dealt a devastating blow after failing to win at the National Television Awards.
The glitzy annual awards show brings the biggest names of the small screen together where they battle to win a string of prestigious awards. And what makes the NTAs extra special to some of those who work on the show, is the fact that almost all of the winners are decided by the public.
As a result, the NTAs can be an eye-opening barometer of what is popular in the eyes of the public. For years, This Morning won the Best Daytime award – but that was derailed last year following the Phillip Schofield scandal that almost tore the show apart.
At the 2023 ceremony, This Morning saw its 13-year winning streak come to an explosive end when The Repair Shop won. But it seems public opinion about the troubled ITV daytime show has not changed in the past 12 months.
The Chase won the best Daytime award (
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On Wednesday night, it was revealed at London’s O2 Arena that The Chase had been crowned the winner in the Daytime category – leaving This Morning on the loser’s bench for the second year in a row. ITV have gone to great lengths to improve the image of the show after Phil explosively quit in May last year.
He sensationally admitted he had conducted an affair with a much younger crew member – and then lied about it to the press, his co-stars, and other close colleagues. Co-host Holly Willoughby saw her own image get tarnished in the process as public opinion turned against her too.
Then she quit in October last year after police foiled a horrifying kidnap plot against her. This Morning then struggled to find a presenting duo to replace Holly and Phil – who for years were regarded as TV’s golden couple. Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have since been pivoted as the main hosts of the show – although a roster of other hosts also helm the long-running series. Ratings have also continued to decline following the presenting overhaul.
Former Big Brother contestant Alison Hammond is also on the regular hosting line-up. The Bake Off host, 49, had been up for the best TV presenter award for her work on the daytime show, but lost out to Ant and Dec for their work on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! When Ant and Dec won, they were unexpectedly heckled by fellow nominee Bradley Walsh – who has hosted The Chase since 2009. Despite not having his name called, Bradley got up from his seat and started making his way to the stage. He then looked confused about them winning, and as Ant told him to go away he shouted: “Taking the p**s!”
Ant and Dec then pressed on with their acceptance speech – with Dec declaring: “Sit down, Bradley! Sit down!” They then stunned fans by hinting they were planning to stay away from the limelight for an unknown amount of time.
Dec said: He then said: “What can we say? Thank you so much. It’s really, really hard to put into words just how this feels year after year and how much it means to us that you take the time to vote for us and make us your winners.” Ant added: “Honestly, it’s a joy, we know we’re not gonna win it one year but it’s not tonight, thank God. But thank you to everybody who works with us on our shows, we love you, we wouldn’t be here without you guys.”
Ant then hinted at an upcoming career break as he ominously said: “Thank you to our beautiful wives and lovely supportive families, sorry we work so much but we’ve got some time off now.”
