After 13 years of dominance as the best daytime show, ITV's This Morning finally lost out in its streak, partly due to the several dramas involving its presenters.
For the past 13 years, This Morning, the popular ITV daytime show, had been the undisputed winner of the Best Daytime Show category at the National Television Awards (NTAs). However, the 28th NTAs marked a historic moment as This Morning failed to secure the award, signaling a significant shift in its longstanding dominance in the daytime television landscape.
The nearly three-hour event featured EastEnders securing several accolades, including the Best Serial Drama award. Additionally, Happy Valley received recognition as it won both the Returning Drama Award and presented a Special Recognition honor to Sarah Lancashire, with Sir Ian McKellen presenting the latter, reports The Mirror.
A shocking defeat for This Morning
The prestigious NTA for Best Daytime Show is an accolade that This Morning had come to expect year after year. This year, however, the show faced fierce competition and was ultimately bested by The Repair Shop, a program that specializes in restoring cherished items.
Holly Willoughby, one of the show's beloved hosts, took the opportunity to congratulate Jay Blades, the host of The Repair Shop, during the September 6th episode of This Morning. After the awards event, Holly Willoughby took to her Instagram to celebrate Jay Blades and The Repair Shop team's victory. She praised Blades for his graciousness, writing:
'To this gorgeous man @jaybladesmbe and the whole team at the @therepairshoptv … Hugest Congratulations!!! And what a night for the incredible Sarah Lancashire… @joeldommett thank you for a great night… See you in the morning.'
Willoughby extended her gratitude to This Morning viewers for their unwavering support over the years. She acknowledged the significance of making it to the shortlist alongside fellow daytime shows like The Chase, Loose Women, and The Repair Shop. She remarked:
'A massive thank you as well just for voting for us and getting us through to the shortlist. If you look at that, you’ve got The Chase, you’ve got Loose Women, you’ve got The Repair Shop, and you’ve got us. So just to make it to there was just so wonderful. So, thank you always for your love and support.'
A hard time for This Morning
The loss at the NTAs comes at a challenging time for This Morning. Earlier this year, the show faced a significant transition as long-time presenter Phillip Schofield stepped down. His departure was prompted by revelations of an 'unwise but not illegal' relationship with a younger colleague. The incident led to a period of turmoil, with reports of a strained relationship between Schofield and co-host Holly Willoughby.
Following Schofield's exit, This Morning underwent a series of changes, with Holly Willoughby joined by a rotating roster of presenters, including Alison Hammond. Claims of a 'toxic' atmosphere behind the scenes were vehemently denied by show producers. The NTA loss was the first award This Morning had been nominated for since Schofield's departure, marking a significant juncture in the show's storied history.
In an unexpected turn of events, Holly Willoughby herself was notably absent from this year's TV Presenter category, an award she had been nominated for in the past. While her co-host Alison Hammond received a nomination, the award ultimately went to the formidable presenting duo, Ant and Dec. Digital Spy reports that this marks the 22nd year in a row the presenting duo have taken home the NTA for Best TV Presenter.
Read more:
⋙ Holly Willoughby's new career move has This Morning viewers unhappy
⋙ This is when Holly Willoughby will return to This Morning
⋙ This Morning faces axe from TV screens after 'toxic' scandal with Phillip Schofield
⋙ Phillip Schofield could be replaced by these stars on This Morning
