LONDON – In a stunning upset at the 2025 National Television Awards, Gary Lineker has been voted Best Presenter, breaking the 23-year reign of beloved duo Ant and Dec.
The victory, announced in London on September 10th, was decided by public vote. It comes after a year of significant controversy for the former England footballer, who left the BBC following a high-profile dispute over his social media activism. Lineker’s posts, which included criticism of Zionism and strong advocacy for refugees and the people of Gaza, sparked national debate.
In his acceptance speech, Lineker appeared to acknowledge the circumstances behind his win. He stated, “It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award.” After citing his 26-year tenure hosting “Match of the Day,” he added, “Also, I think it demonstrates that…” seemingly implying his victory was a public show of support for his right to speak out.
He emphasized his belief in using his platform to “speak for the voiceless,” a message that resonated with his supporters online, though the reaction to his win was mixed across social media.
The award marks a dramatic shift in the landscape of British television awards, ending one of the most dominant streaks in NTA history.
