Why aren't Ant & Dec at the National Television Awards?

22 January 2019, 14:47 | Updated: 23 January 2019, 10:04

Ant & Dec
Ant & Dec will not appear at this year's NTAs. Picture: Getty

By Tom Eames

Ant & Dec are the undisputed kings of the National Television Awards, but they will not be making an appearance this year.

The Geordie duo have won the Best TV Presenter award at the annual ceremony for the past 17 years in a row.

Despite Ant McPartlin's absence from our screens for the majority of 2018, and with Declan Donnelly taking on hosting duties on his own, the pair are still nominated as a duo.

But why aren't they in attendance?

While Ant still hopes they win the award, with him saying that he believes Dec "deserves it", he also revealed that neither he nor Dec will be attending as they will be busy filming the audition rounds of Britain's Got Talent.

"If we do win – and I hope people still vote – then Dec deserves it," Ant told The Sun. "He's worked his socks off this year.

"It's an accolade to how hard he's worked in tough circumstances. How good a friend he's been to me. How much of a professional he is. If we do win, then Dec will have to take most of it and I'll take a tiny bit for my few shows last year."

Ant returned to TV work last week after taking almost a year off, following his arrest for drink driving and subsequent stint in rehab.

The National Television Awards airs tonight (January 22) on ITV.