It’s the dawning of a new era for the National Television Awards as the ceremony marks its 25th anniversary.
After 10 years as host, Dermot O’Leary stood aside after last year’s show, and into his shoes steps someone who is no stranger to the NTAs.
David Walliams is an eight-time winner, and he’s also up for another award this year – in the Best Judge category – as well as being host.
With the actor, comedian and children’s author at the helm, expect there to be more laughs and an added edginess at the live show in London’s O2 Arena.
“I’m a bit nervous because it’s a different thing to being a judge on Britain’s Got Talent,” David admitted.
“BGT is live TV but there’s not an awful lot expected of us – we only have to react to what’s going on.
“But with the NTAs you have to perform, think about the technical aspect of the ceremony, timings, and moving it along.
“I’m not an experienced TV presenter, so it’ll be a challenge, but I like a challenge. I’ve chatted to my friend Dermot and he’s given me lots of advice.
“I’m really chuffed to host it – the whole thing is thrilling.”
Two of the strongest categories this year are in drama and comedy.
Having swept the boards in the recent American awards season, Fleabag is the top contender for the comedy title, but she has strong competition in Derry Girls, Mrs Brown’s Boys, Sex Education and After Life.
In the drama category, Killing Eve, Line Of Duty and Peaky Blinders battle it out alongside Call The Midwife and Casualty.
Killing Eve is expected to triumph, as is its star, Jodie Comer, in the Best Drama Performance, where she is up against Luther’s Idris Elba, Michael Stevenson from Casualty, Peaky Blinders’ Cillian Murphy and Suranne Jones for Gentleman Jack.
David said: “I think it’s Jodie Comer’s moment. She’s one of the most exciting performers in the world right now and Killing Eve is sensational.”
The 48-year-old star can clearly recall winning his first NTA, for Little Britain.
“The first time you win, it’s really special. It’s like joining a club with all these other famous people and wondering, ‘How are we here?’
“The public have voted for you and they didn’t have to, so it means more.
“When Matt Lucas and I started Little Britain, it was on BBC3 with not many people watching. To win an NTA felt like a major thing.
“We were very happy, excited and shocked! It was definitely a career turning point.”
National Television Awards, ITV, Tue, 7.30pm
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