Sir David Attenborough smiling on a red carpet
TV & Film

Sir David Attenborough Snaps Up NTA Best Presenter As Ant And Dec Lose Out Again

The legendary broadcaster made history at the National Television Awards as the iconic hosting duo were left empty-handed for the second year running.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

The British television landscape witnessed another major shift as legendary broadcaster Sir David Attenborough claimed top honors at the 2026 National Television Awards. Honored during his historic 100th year, the iconic natural history presenter walked away with the highly coveted Best Presenter trophy, leaving screen mainstays Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly without the award for a second consecutive year. For over two decades, Ant and Dec held an almost unbreakable monopoly on the Best Presenter category, turning their annual acceptance speeches into one of television's most predictable traditions. However, voters rallied behind Attenborough as he reached his landmark centenary, proving that his unmatched decades of bringing nature documentaries into millions of homes still hold ultimate sway over viewing audiences. ## Who won Best Presenter at the National Television Awards 2026? Attenborough's triumph marks a deeply sentimental moment in award show history. While the *I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!* hosts remain hugely popular television figures, their legendary winning streak has officially hit another major roadblock. The outcome mirrors recent shifts in viewer sentiment, showing that even the most dominant award runs eventually come to an end when facing a true national institution. Beyond the headline-grabbing presenter battle, the ceremony handed out major accolades to several of the country's most watched productions. ITV's flagship daytime show *This Morning* picked up another trophy, reassuring producers that the daily program still retains a loyal fan base despite several years of high-profile lineup changes and studio shake-ups. ## Which shows won big at the 2026 NTAs? Broadcasting giant *Strictly Come Dancing* also secured a major victory on the night, taking home a top prize to underline its position as the undisputed titan of weekend television. The long-running dance competition beat out rival entertainment programs, proving its glitterball glamour shows no signs of fading. Prime Video's breakout hit *Clarkson's Farm* also enjoyed a triumphant moment, snagging a coveted award and cementing Jeremy Clarkson's successful transition into unscripted countryside entertainment. The series has become a massive cultural phenomenon, and its victory demonstrates how streaming platforms continue to challenge traditional terrestrial networks for viewer devotion. With fresh winners breaking long-standing records and veteran shows continuing to hold their ground, the 2026 ceremony proved that viewer votes can still deliver plenty of drama. Fans are already looking ahead to see if Ant and Dec can reclaim their crown next year or if a new era of award season dominance has officially begun.

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People also ask

Who won Best Presenter at the 2026 NTAs?
Sir David Attenborough won the Best Presenter award at the 2026 National Television Awards in his 100th year.
Did Ant and Dec win at the 2026 National Television Awards?
No, Ant and Dec missed out on the Best Presenter trophy for the second consecutive year.
What other shows won at the 2026 NTAs?
This Morning, Strictly Come Dancing, and Clarkson's Farm all secured major awards at the ceremony.