Gary Lineker Wins Best Presenter, Ends 23-Year Ant and Dec BBC Streak

Gary Lineker won the Best Presenter award at the 2025 National Television Awards, ending Ant and Dec's 23-year winning streak in the category. His victory marked a significant moment following his early exit from the BBC's Match of the Day, which came after controversy surrounding a social media post he shared about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including an image with antisemitic connotations. Lineker acknowledged the award as a message that it's acceptable to use one's platform to advocate for those without a voice, and he expressed enthusiasm about his future work with ITV and his podcast business. Despite his departure, Lineker denied being cancelled and described the situation as a misunderstanding. His win was met with surprise and some viewers noted his subtle criticism of the BBC during his acceptance speech. The event also celebrated other television achievements, including wins for Michael McIntyre, Gavin and Stacey, and EastEnders.