NTAs 2021: ‘He WILL get the chance to tell his story!’ Kate Garraway breaks down in tears as she accepts award for Finding Derek documentary about husband’s COVID-19 battle… and admits she almost SKIPPED attending the ceremony
- Finding Derek – which became ITV’s most-watched factual programme in three years, after 4.5 million viewers tuned into the moving programme when it aired in March – beat the likes of Katie Price: Harvey And Me and Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain’s Children at the NTAs on Thursday night
- Kate, 54, looked overwhelmed as she was announced as the victor and took a moment to compose herself before taking to the mic to thank voters
- She said: ‘Thank you so much for voting. I wonder if the reason you did this is because our story is your story’
- Kate admitted she considered not attending the ceremony until a woman stopped her in the street and told how her much the documentary meant to her
- The awards took place on the eve of Kate and Derek’s 16th wedding anniversary which is on September 10
- Derek still requires round-the-clock care – with Kate’s presenter friend Clare Nasir discussing how the Good Morning Britain host doesn’t want to ‘tempt fate’ by planning an anniversary event too far ahead
Kate Garraway delivered an emotional speech as she picked up the National Television Award for Authored Documentary on Thursday night at the O2 Arena in London for Finding Derek – her televised account of her husband Derek Draper’s ongoing battle against COVID-19.
Beating the likes of Katie Price: Harvey And Me and Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain’s Children, Kate looked overwhelmed as she was announced as the victor, slowly making her way to the stage to accept the gong.
Kate, 54, took a moment to compose herself before taking to the mic to thank voters.
Overwhelmed: Kate Garraway delivered an emotional speech as she picked up the National Television Award for Authored Documentary on Thursday night at the O2 Arena in London
The Good Morning Britain anchor – who shares children Darcey, 15, and William, 12, with Derek, 54 – said: ‘Thank you so much. It was a hugely brave decision of ITV I think to commission this. They didn’t really know what they were making. They didn’t know if it was a story about bereavement or about triumph.
‘Thank you so much for voting. I wonder if the reason you did this is because our story is your story. I think we’ve all been touched by the pandemic, whether it’s livelihoods or mental health. All the other extraordinary documentaries that have been highlighted this evening have also been affected by the pandemic.
‘I just want to say to all the Darceys and Billies and Dereks and Derek’s family that whatever you’re going through and however you’re affected – you’re not forgotten.
‘We want the joy back, we want it to be over but if you’re still living with the scars the fight goes on.
‘But most important of all, Derek – you should be here and he should have had the chance to tell his own story! Derek you’re going to get the chance, I believe, the hope is real! Thank you so much!
‘Lucy [Wilcox, the director and cinematographer] arrived in our home not knowing if she was seeing a family in grief or relief, and in the end, it was something between the two.’
Moving: Kate won the award for Finding Derek – her televised account of her husband Derek Draper’s ongoing battle against COVID-19
She said in her speech: ‘Thank you so much for voting. I wonder if the reason you did this is because our story is your story’
Beaming: The star – who is nominated in the awards’ brand new category, Authored Documentary, for her Finding Derek documentary – teamed her stunning dress with chic black heels
Kate dedicated the award to her husband, saying: ‘Most important of all, Derek – you should be here and he should have had the chance to tell his own story! Derek you’re going to get the chance, I believe, the hope is real! Thank you so much!’ [pictured in hospital last year]
The likes of Holly Willoughby and Ant & Dec were seen watching on tearfully, with Katie Price seen standing and forming a heart-shape in Kate’s direction in support – decide missing out on the win herself. Her son Harvey stood with her and clapped enthusiastically.
She told press in the Winner’s Room after the show: ‘Congratulations to the team who made it together. It’s there’s really.
‘I wasn’t sure if I was going to come tonight. I’m extraordinarily proud of it but it felt like a strange time to leave the family; but even on the way in here, a woman called Angela and her son Jack said “I lost my husband and the documentary helped”. The reaction was extraordinary…’
Kate found herself on the brink of tears again, before adding: ‘They voted because it was their story. We’ve all been touched by the pandemic. Derek is going to know about this award tonight. I need to phone home. The kids are in the room with Derek. We have a weird contraption at home and they’re watching the whole thing. The award goes to Derek and our kids.’
She went on: ‘Cameras are coming back – there are a lot of challenges now. We all know social care has been in the headlines. Lots of people need support with health and social care.’
She continued: ‘I think we’ve all been touched by the pandemic, whether it’s livelihoods or mental health. All the other extraordinary documentaries that have been highlighted this evening have also been affected by the pandemic’
She went on: ‘I just want to say to all the Darcys and Billies and Dereks and Derek’s family that whatever you’re going through and however you’re affected – you’re not forgotten. We want the joy back, we want it to be over but if you’re still living with the scars the fight goes on’
Beaming: The star – who is nominated in the awards’ brand new category, Authored Documentary, for her Finding Derek documentary – teamed her stunning dress with chic black heels
She told press in the Winner’s Room after the show: ‘Congratulations to the team who made it together. It’s there’s really’
Kate found herself on the brink of tears again, before adding: ‘They voted because it was their story. We’ve all been touched by the pandemic. Derek is going to know about this award tonight’
Hard-hitting: Kate filmed every step of Derek’s year-long battle with coronavirus following his hospitalisation with the respiratory illness
Team effort: Kate is pictured with the team behind the ITV film
On how she looks after herself, she said: ‘I’ve got the GMB team and Smooth Radio. They let me put on an extra long song when I call home. The children are brilliant and you live your life and the joy you see around you. People have been very kind.’
Finding Derek was nominated alongside Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency, Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain’s Children, Katie Price: Harvey and Me and Rob Burrow: My Year With MND.
The documentary became ITV’s most-watched factual programme in three years, after 4.5 million viewers tuned into the moving programme when it aired in March.
The presenter fronted the show documenting her husband Derek’s year-long battle with COVID-19, with viewers praising her for sharing such a candid insight in his lengthy recovery.
Kate filmed every step of Derek’s year-long battle with coronavirus following his hospitalisation with the respiratory illness.
Brave: She has been known for her stoic attitude throughout the devastating pandemic and the way it has affected her family
Family: The Good Morning Britain anchor shares children Darcey, 15, and William, 12, with Derek, 54 [pictured in 2019]
Heartbreaking: Finding Derek became ITV’s most-watched factual programme in three years, after 4.5 million viewers tuned into the moving programme when it aired in March
Vote for us: Kate asked TV viewers to vote for her documentary ahead of the National Television Awards by sharing images from the show
Happier times: Kate and Derek are pictured at Christmastime 2019, months before he was struck down with the virus
Derek is recovering from Covid-19 and still requires round-the-clock care – with Kate’s presenter friend Clare Nasir discussing how the Good Morning Britain host doesn’t want to ‘tempt fate’ by planning an anniversary event too far ahead.
On Wednesday, the day before the NTAs, Kate took to social media to share an image from the documentary of herself and Derek on their wedding day, saying she is ‘very proud’ of the show.
She wrote: ‘Have been feeling very torn about asking you to vote for our documentary #FindingDerek’s nomination for @officialntas tomorrow.
‘I am very proud of it but felt I shouldn’t be asking for more from you. I have even wondered if I shouldn’t go to such a sparkling event and take time away from the family who need me now more than ever. But a stranger just changed my mind!
‘She was walking past our house & called out “hope you win”. I thanked her but said didn’t think we would as so many good ones in the category & I hadn’t been campaigning for votes as others have. She looked horrified.
Candid: On Wednesday, the day before the NTAs, Kate took to social media to stress that she is ‘very proud’ of the show
‘”But you must” she said “my sister died from Covid damage two weeks ago. Her heart had been ruined by the virus last summer. She watched your documentary and it gave her so much hope.” It broke my heart.
‘So now I am asking you to vote please – not for me but to highlight the thousands that have lost lives and livelihoods to covid, and to the thousands more that battle on devastated by it.
‘Also for the millions of others who are facing terrible diagnoses of any illness , the tortuous wait for treatment as our NHS strains to cope. It would be wonderful if your vote meant they felt less forgotten and helped me to fight on for them.’
Kate received an outpouring of support from fans, with one writing: ‘You have my vote Kate! You are an absolute inspiration. How you manage to parent two children, work numerous jobs and take care of derek is an absolute triumph!!
‘Keep going you do an amazing job, and you deserve more than NTA in my book!! Absolute legend that you are. Keep strong and keep going you will get Derek back.’
Release: Derek was released from the hospital in March this year after being first diagnosed in March 2020
New award: Earlier this year, the NTAs announced their brand new category, Authored Documentary, which saw Kate’s moving feature, Finding Derek, win
Another wrote: ‘Both my wife and I have voted for your documentary. She said “women are like teabags” stick us in water to see how strong we become. She’s spot on. You’re amazing. Hope Derek and the kids are doing well. Stay strong.’
Reaction: Kate received an outpouring of support from fans and friends
Another fan added: ‘And you must get all dressed up and go! It’s so important to get out and enjoy yourself. And to take time for you. So much is resting on you. Its vital you stay well and up for it.’
Derek was released from the hospital in March this year after being first diagnosed in March 2020. The virus wreaked havoc throughout his entire body, resulting in kidney failure, liver and pancreatic damage.
On more than one occasion his heart stopped beating, he battled bacterial pneumonia and fought multiple infections which punctured holes in his lungs.
He is considered to be the longest surviving COVID-19 patient in the country. The former lobbyist continues to recover from the illness at their London home.
Elsewhere at the NTAs, Line Of Duty won its first on Thursday night – and all eyes were on actor Tommy Jessop who played Terry Boyle in series five and six.
While the cast and crew took to the stage to accept the gong, Tommy, 36, sashayed his way up the steps, showing off some moves, with the crowd going wild for it.
Once on stage, Tommy continued to dance, swinging his hips and striking a muscle man pose on the ground, as the rest of the cast and crew watched on delightedly.
Busting a move: Elsewhere at the NTAs, Line Of Duty won its first on Thursday night – and all eyes were on actor Tommy Jessop who played Terry Boyle in series five and six
Star Martin Compston said in the Winner’s Room afterwards: ‘Thank You to everyone who voted for us. Tommy was fantastic. I think he’s going to take the award!’
He added, of the potential return of the series: ‘People ask me every two mins if there will be another season. These people love what we do so I never take it for granted.
‘It means it’s going well. It means people are so invested and the fact the audience keeps getting bigger over 10 years so who knows?’
Line Of Duty also came away with the Special Recognition gong, while New Drama went to It’s A Sin, and Coronation Street bagged the Serial Drama award.
Stealing the show! While the cast and crew took to the stage to accept the gong, Tommy, 36, sashayed his way up the steps, showing off some moves, with the crowd going wild for it
Celebrating the win! Once on stage, Tommy continued to dance, swinging his hips and striking a muscle man pose on the ground, as the rest of the cast and crew watched on delightedly
Out on top! Tommy Jessop, Martin Compston, Nigel Boyle and Gregory Piper were among the Line Of Duty team in attendance at the show
There were also two further wins for the ITV soap, which came away with a Serial Drama Performance award for Mollie Gallagher’s performance as Nina Lucas, and a Newcomer trophy for nine-year-old Jude Riordan as Sam Blakeman.
Comedian Joel Dommett kicked off the 2021 ceremony, celebrating the return of live in-person shows amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sure to launch the show on a light-hearted yet poignant note, Joel, 36, quipped: ‘It’s been a great year for soaps thanks to all the hand-washing!’
The broadcast kicked off with a VT of Joel frantically trying to find someone to open the show, with the likes of Simon Cowell, Oti Mabuse, Ant & Dec, Holly Willoughby and Mo Gilligan joining in for the skit.
Gentle nod: Comedian Joel Dommett kicked off the awards show, celebrating the return of live in-person shows amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Great job! The broadcast kicked off with a VT of Joel frantically trying to find someone to open the show, with the likes of Simon Cowell, Oti Mabuse, Ant & Dec, Holly Willoughby and Mo Gilligan joining in for the skit
The task ended up being taken on by singer HRVY, who was joined on stage with characters from The Masked Dancer and his former Strictly Come Dancing pro Janette Manrara.
Later in the broadcast, JLS – who have reunited after a lengthy hiatus – made their comeback, performing a medley of their hits to the adoring crowd.
Joel also joked in his speech at he had to stay two metres away from Ant & Dec (‘not because of the pandemic, because they’ve asked me to’) and referenced the awkwardness of watching racy drama Bridgerton with his mother.
He then joked that he wouldn’t be making a gag about Ricky Gervais, who was in the audience, because ‘he’s my idol and I’m scared of him’.
Ricky was soon on the stage, accepting the award for his Netflix show After Life, which won the Comedy prize.
The boys are back: Later in the broadcast, JLS – who have reunited after a lengthy hiatus – made their comeback
Long-awaited! The boy band performed a medley of their hits to the adoring crowd
Ricky Gervais, who was in the audience, was soon on the stage, accepting the award for his Netflix show After Life, which won the Comedy prize
‘I’m really surprised by this – I thought it’s not my demographic this show. It’s lovely thank you,’ he said afterwards. ‘This made the two hour car journey here worth it! The cast are great but I take all the credit!’
He updated those eager to know about the third series, saying: ‘Season three will be as close to Christmas as we can. It’s the best one yet. It’s nearly finished. Very pleased with it. We did it through Covid so was a double pleasure.’
He quipped: ‘The dog does not die, everyone else does!’
He went on: ‘I’m still surprised how well the show does around the world. It’s a show about a guy who kills himself because his wife died from cancer. People who are grieving approach me on the street and say how much the show helped them.’
We did it! Ant and Dec scooped the Best Presenter gong for an epic 20th time in a row at the National Television Awards on Thursday, with a visible emotional Ant seen clutching his new wife Anne-Marie as the news was delivered
Winners: Meanwhile, This Morning triumphed once again in the best Daytime category as they led the other big winners on the night including Line Of Duty, Gogglebox and It’s A Sin; Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are seen accepting their award
The night was also a momentous occasion for presenting icons Ant & Dec, who were named TV Presenter of the year for a whopping 20th year in a row.
Taking to the stage, Ant McPartlin said: ‘We were talking in the car on the way here and the first year we won an NTA, Tony Blair was the prime minister and Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League. It just goes to show how long ago it was.
‘But do you know what? This one means the most. Twenty years. This is really, really special. You have no idea how special this is.’
While Dec Donnelly added: ‘When you get to 20, you can’t help but stop and look back at the first time we won in 2001, and so much has changed in both our lives since then but one thing that hasn’t changed is how unbelievably grateful we are that you take time year after year to watch both of us.’
The duo’s proud wives Anne-Marie Corbett and Ali Astall looked on from the audience as their partner’s gave their speech.
The Geordie duo beat off competition from the likes of Piers Morgan, Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond and Bradley Walsh to win the coveted gong once more.
Elsewhere, it proved to be a triumphant night for for This Morning as they once again won the Daytime award.
Hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield led the way up on stage as they delightedly accepted the award alongside co-hosts Ruth Langsford, Eamonn Holmes and Rochelle Humes.
Ant said: ’20 years, it’s a long time and to get up there tonight and to be voted for so much has happened and the public are still voting for us it means the absolute world’
Looking good: Ant and Dc looked dapper in black suits, while Ant’s new wife Anne-Marie Corbett looked ravishing in a lemon yellow gown, while Dec’s wife Ali Astall looked chic in black
Triumphant: The boys celebrated backstage after winning their 20th award
So happy: Phillip thanked the viewers for sticking with the show during the pandemic, while Holly also thanked the team and everyone at home for watching and voting
However, the duo will not make their usual worse-for-wear appearance on the ITV show as this year’s awards is held on a Thursday, with the pair not presenting on Fridays.
Phillip thanked the viewers for sticking with the show during the pandemic, while Holly also thanked the team and everyone at home for watching and voting.
Meanwhile, Gogglebox paid tribute to the stars of the show who’ve passed away in recent years as they scooped the Factual award.
Julie Malone said to the audience: ‘On behalf of all the Gogglebox families I just want to say thank you for nominating us for this award. And on a sadder note, nominate it to all the people we’ve lost over the past 18 months and two years. That’s Andy, Pete, Mary, and everybody’s favourite grandma June who is now reunited with Leon.’
Fellow show star Sophie Sandiford had initially began a speech, but soon forgot her words, blaming her blunder on having too much drink.
Gone but not forgotten: Meanwhile, Gogglebox paid tribute to the stars of the show who’ve passed away in recent years as they scooped the Factual award
Whoops: Fellow show star Sophie Sandiford had initially began a speech, but soon forgot her words, blaming her blunder on having too much drink
Happy days: Julie’s husband Tom put on a very animated display as he larked about with host Joel Dommett
Celebrations: The foursome appeared delighted as they celebrated their big win
Her brother Pete then took over as he thanked the cast, crew and fans, before handing over to Julie.
Elsewhere, in a funny moment, Jude Riordan couldn’t even reach the microphone as he accepted his award for Best Newcomer for his performance on Coronation Street – making him the youngest ever winner at the event.
The 10-year-old had to be lifted by host Joel Dommett so he could give his speech in the hilarious moment at the ceremony.
He said in his speech: ‘Oh my word this is amazing! I would just like to say thankyou to all my fans for voting for me, and all my Corrie cast and crew for helping me, and my family for supporting me and yeah that’s mainly it – thankyou guys!’
Funny: Jude Riordan, 10, couldn’t even reach the microphone as he accepted his award for Best Newcomer for his performance on Coronation Street – making him the youngest ever winner at the event
Winner! He had to be lifted by host Joel Dommett so he could give his speech in the hilarious moment at the ceremony which is being held at the O2 Arena in London
Thrilled: He said in his speech: ‘Oh my word this is amazing! I would just like to say thankyou to all my fans for voting for me, and all my Corrie cast and crew for helping me, and my family for supporting me and yeah that’s mainly it – thankyou guys!’
He exclusively told MailOnline after his speech: ‘It was very scary on stage, but I enjoyed it. I feel great.
‘I think oh my god I’ve actually won this. My mums proud. They’re all really nice and supportive on Corrie. Sam is a fun character to play and gives me so many great scenes.’
Meanwhile, Olly Alexander said making It’s a Sin was ‘one of the greatest experiences of his life’ after it won the New Drama Award at the National Television Awards.
Show creator Russell T Davies told MailOnline selling the show was not easy and one unnamed TV executive even referred to it as ‘that miserable AIDS drama’.
Proud: Olly Alexander said making It’s a Sin was ‘one of the greatest experiences of his life’ after it won the New Drama Award at the National Television Awards
Show: Creator Russell T Davies told MailOnline selling the show was not easy and one unnamed TV executive even referred to it as ‘that miserable AIDS drama’
Olly said: ‘It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It’s created a conversation that I’m amazed to be a part of. A global conversation’
Speaking after the drama won, show star Olly said: ‘It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It’s created a conversation that I’m amazed to be a part of. A global conversation.’
It’s a Sin was turned down by both the BBC and ITV before it eventually found a home at Channel 4.
Asked why he kept persisting to have the show aired after being rejected, Russell said: ‘It’s my job to persist if something doesn’t get made you keep going. I believed in it.
‘One television executive referred to it as “that miserable AIDS drama”. He won’t be able to lick my trophy now!’
Group: Strictly’s Janette Manrara stunned in a ruffled salmon dress as she was joined by stars from the last series including Nicola Adams, JJ Chalmers, Jamie Liang and HRVY to mark their win
Rising to the challenge: The Great British Bake Off also won in the Challenge Show category, with show stars Peter Sawkins and Laura Adlington taking to the stage
New host Joel admitted he is ‘honoured’ to have been selected to front the spectacle. He said in a statement: ‘It’s a huge honour to be hosting the NTAs this year! It still feels like someone has made a wonderful error’
New host Joel admitted he is ‘honoured’ to have been selected to front the spectacle. He said in a statement: ‘It’s a huge honour to be hosting the NTAs this year! It still feels like someone has made a wonderful error.
‘I really, really love TV and can’t wait to celebrate the best stuff from what’s been a very weird year or so.’
NTA’s Executive Producer Kim Turberville added ahead of the show: ‘We are so excited to be back to celebrate a remarkable TV year like no other. There is a wealth of great television to recognise and we are delighted to have Joel at the helm. With his wit and natural charisma, he’ll definitely be bringing a fresh approach to this year’s awards.’
Earlier this year, it was announced the NTAs, which usually takes place in January, had been rescheduled for September 9, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Kim said at the time: ‘The NTAs will return to The O2 London in September to mark the UK’s best, boldest and most beloved TV shows with a surprise-packed event – and we look forward to seeing you on the night for a celebration like no other.’
NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS 2021: THE WINNERS
Challenge Show
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins
Love Island
WINNER: The Great British Bake Off
The Great British Sewing Bee
New Drama
Bridgerton
Des
WINNER: It’s A Sin
Normal People
Talent Show
Britain’s Got Talent
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
WINNER: Strictly Come Dancing
The Masked Singer
Tasty! Bake Off won the Challenge Show prize
Authored Documentary
WINNER: Kate Garraway: Finding Derek
Katie Price: Harvey and Me
Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain’s Children
Rob Burrow: My Year With MND
Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency
Touching: The Authored Documentary winner was Kate Garraway: Finding Derek
Returning Drama
Call the Midwife
WINNER: Line of Duty
The Crown
Unforgotten
TV Presenter
Alison Hammond
WINNER: Ant and Dec
Bradley Walsh
Holly Willoughby
Piers Morgan
Factual
Caroline Flack: Her Life and Death
WINNER: Gogglebox
Gordon, Gino and Fred: American Road Trip
Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs
Drama Performance
Adrian Dunbar, Ted Hastings, Line of Duty
WINNER: David Tennant, Dennis Nilsen, Des
Martin Compston, Steve Arnott, Line of Duty
Olly Alexander, Ritchie Tozer, It’s A Sin
Vicky McClure, Kate Fleming, Line of Duty
The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award
Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway
WINNER: I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Taskmaster
The Graham Norton Show
You lose some, you win some! Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway was up for a prize, but the duo’s other show, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! scooped the gong
Serial Drama
WINNER: Coronation Street
EastEnders
Emmerdale
Hollyoaks
Serial Drama Performance
Billy Price, Sid Sumner, Hollyoaks
Danny Dyer, Mick Carter, EastEnders
WINNER: Mollie Gallagher, Nina Lucas, Coronation Street
Sally Carman, Abi Franklin, Coronation Street
Quiz Game Show
WINNER: Beat The Chasers
Celebrity Catchphrase
In For A Penny
Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel
Newcomer
Emile John, Ethan Anderson, Emmerdale
WINNER: Jude Riordan, Sam Blakeman, Coronation Street
Olivia D’Lima, Paramedic Fenisha Khatri, Casualty
Rhiannon Clements, Summer Ranger, Hollyoaks
Rose Ayling-Ellis, Frankie Lewis, EastEnders
Winner! Mollie Gallagher, who plays Nina Lucas in Coronation Street, bagged herself a gong
Daytime
Loose Women
The Chase
The Repair Shop
WINNER: This Morning
Comedy
WINNER: After Life
Friday Night Dinner
Sex Education
The Vicar of Dibley
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