Ant and Dec are in the running for the best TV Presenter gong at the 2018 National Television Awards. The Geordie duo are up against This Morning stars Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield and The Chase's Bradley Walsh. Ant and Dec are reigning champions, having won the coveted title every year since 2001. The nominations were announced on Tuesday, with Phil taking to Snapchat to reveal: "Nominated for the 1st time EVER in the NTA 'Best Presenter' category!!" He then quipped, "But as Ant & Dec have won it 16 years in a row, I won't work on a speech," accompanying his caption with laughing emojis.
On Tuesday morning's show, Holly and Phil addressed their nominations, with Phil joking: "It could be a tense few weeks ahead for Holly and me. We've both found ourselves nominated in the same category at this year's National Television Awards. We've both been shortlisted for this year's 'Ant and Dec Award'…" Holly added: "It's so nice to be nominated."
© Photo: RexThe popular stars are up for best TV Presenter
Ant and Dec have a longstanding history with the NTAs. The pair have been recognised for their work on Saturday Night Takeaway and I'm a Celebrity, and in 2002, they were presented with a Special Recognition Award. In 2014, they also received the prestigious Landmark Award, with Prince Charles making a special tribute.
Holly and Phil struggle on This Morning after NTAs
Phil presented the duo with the award and read out a message from the Prince. "The warmth and empathy they show towards charitable causes, their viewers and their deep friendship towards one another are as great achievements as their countless and well-deserved awards," the Prince's message noted. "The nation has taken them to their hearts. Many congratulations on the first 25 years of your career." Ant and Dec, who teared up as they accepted their award, told crowds at the glittering ceremony: "Neither of us would be here if it wasn't for each other."
© Photo: Getty ImagesAnt and Dec have won the award for the past 16 years
This year's National Television Awards will take place on Tuesday 23 January. A range of popular TV shows are up for awards; Love Island, MasterChef, I'm a Celebrity and The Great British Bake Off are all in the running for best Challenge Show. Strictly Come Dancing, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent and The Voice UK have been nominated for best Talent Show, while Liar, Doctor Foster, Casualty, Game of Thrones and Call the Midwife are battling for the best Drama award.
