Gary Lineker Wins Best Presenter at NTAs, Ends Ant & Dec’s 23-Year Reign
Former footballer and broadcaster Gary Lineker has claimed the Best TV Presenter award at the 2025 National Television Awards, breaking Ant & Dec’s 23-year winning streak in the category.
The victory comes months after Lineker stepped down from the BBC’s flagship football show, Match of the Day, which he had hosted for more than 25 years. His exit followed controversy over a social media post that sparked widespread debate and ultimately led to his departure.
Accepting the award at London’s O2 Arena, Lineker expressed both surprise and gratitude. He praised Ant & Dec for their remarkable run and thanked viewers for their continued support, saying the recognition meant a great deal at this stage of his career.
Lineker’s triumph is being seen as both a career milestone and a symbolic moment, showing his enduring popularity with audiences despite his split from the BBC.