Gary Lineker has claimed the Best Presenter prize at the National Television Awards, ending Ant & Dec’s 23-year winning streak. The former Match of the Day host used his acceptance speech to highlight the importance of speaking up for “those without voices,” months after his acrimonious BBC departure.
Gary Lineker has been named Best Presenter at the National Television Awards, capping off a turbulent year in which he left his iconic role as host of Match of the Day.
The former England, Leicester, Barcelona, and Tottenham striker beat long-time winners Ant & Dec, who had dominated the category for 23 consecutive years.
A landmark win
Lineker, who hosted the BBC’s flagship football highlights show for 26 years, departed earlier this year following a public fallout with the broadcaster over impartiality rules and his outspoken use of social media. Despite the acrimonious split, he remains one of the most recognisable faces in British broadcasting, and his NTA win was met with huge applause at London’s O2 Arena.
What Lineker said
Taking to the stage, Lineker reflected on his platform and influence beyond sport:
Perhaps it shows sometimes it’s okay to use our platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice.
His comments referenced the controversies that led to his BBC exit, when his criticism of government policies sparked heated debate over free speech and impartiality in broadcasting.
Life after Match of the Day
Away from the BBC, Lineker has continued to thrive. His Goalhanger Podcasts network is behind successful shows like The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. Next year, he will front a new ITV game show, The Box, ensuring his presence on British television remains strong.
End of an era
For Lineker, this award not only breaks Ant & Dec’s two-decade streak but also marks a symbolic moment: proof that his voice—and his popularity—remain powerful in British media, even without his long-standing BBC platform.
