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BGT judge David Walliams takes over from Dermot O’Leary as National Television Awards presenter
HE’S used to taking to the stage of the National Television Awards to receive gongs – now David Walliams will be dishing them out.
I can reveal the Britain’s Got talent judge is taking over the presenting role from Dermot O'Leary when the annual celebration takes place on January 28 at London O2.
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The awards, which will air live on ITV and next year mark their 25th anniversary, are familiar territory for the funnyman because he’s been named Best TV Judge in 2015, 2018 and 2019.
A TV insider said: “It might be a little bit awkward if he wins the award again in 2020, but David’s huge popularity is what makes him the perfect choice as presenter.
“He’s one of those celebrities who is liked by everyone, from children to grannies, and can always be expected to keep audiences in stitches throughout the night.”
Since 2010, Dermot has juggled his duties as The X Factor’s host with presenting the awards — and if he aimed the odd jibe at his boss, Simon Cowell, just imagine how many sideswipes David is likely to land on his BGT co-judge.
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It’s a miracle David could even find time to take on the NTAs role — fitting it in with his BGT judging, writing children’s books and making a string of other TV shows.
But David sounds more than happy with the extra work.
He said: “I am thrilled to be the new host of the NTAs — and will ensure I also win them all.”
I’m not sure he can keep that promise.
bizbit
THE moving recital by stammering pupil Musharaf Asghar on Channel 4’s Educating Yorkshire has inspired a play in his home county of West Yorks. Mushy: Lyrically Speaking, is at Leeds Playhouse from October 8 to 12.
Famke captures the nation again
AS a bad Bond girl in 007 film GoldenEye, she tried to crush Pierce Brosnan to death with her thighs in a sauna.
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But Famke Janssen – who went on to play Jean Grey in the X-Men movies – cuts a more sophisticated figure when she appears as Jessica Mallory in telly drama The Capture.
My exclusive picture shows her as she joins the cast of the BBC1 surveillance thriller, which sees Holliday Grainger play detective Rachel Carey hunting fugitive soldier Shaun Emery, played by Callum Turner. The show has been a surprise hit – and I can reveal it is set to bag a second series, though this season’s finale doesn’t air until Tuesday.
A telly insider said: “The Capture has been one of those dramas that seems to have captured the public’s attention and created endless ‘water-cooler moments’.
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“It didn’t receive a huge fanfare when it started but it has built up a devoted following through word of mouth.”
It is a great antidote to the overhyped flops of late.
bizbit
THE BBC is airing a recreation of a lost Doctor Who episode, Mission To The Unknown, on the show’s YouTube channel on October 9 at 5.50pm. It’s released at the exact moment it was first broadcast 54 years ago.
Andi all for Naga
THE Great British Menu’s Andi Oliver has backed Breakfast host Naga Munchetty after the BBC’s U-turn over her Donald Trump racism reprimand.
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She said the incident had been “a learning curve” but added: “What’s happened is the ability to have a civilised debate and discourse has gone out of the window and that’s what worries me.”
Andi her daughter Miquita and author Damian Barr will present Sky Arts Live at Cheltenham Literature Festival every night next week from Monday to Sunday at 7pm. Former T4 presenter Miquita said: “There’s so much I want to see. We’re just going to throw ourselves into it.”
bizbit
GETHIN Jones stood in again for Zoe Ball fronting Strictly: It Takes Two last night. The Radio 2 Breakfast Show host was ill for the second day running and Gethin said: “Zoe is still not feeling 100 per cent.”
Olly one of the big boys
WRITER Russell T Davies must have had his last drama, Years And Years, in mind when he created his new show Boys – because the leading man is Years & Years singer Olly Alexander.
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In the five-part Channel 4 series, Bodyguard star Keeley Hawes will play his mother Valerie.
Stephen Fry appears as a politician and Neil Patrick Harris, the American actor best known for starring in US sitcom How I Met Your Mother, also joins the stellar cast.
The drama, set to air next year, sees Olly play 18-year-old Ritchie, one of three gay lads who move to London just as the Aids crisis is sweeping the country.
Olly has already starred in plays alongside Dame Judi Dench, appeared in TV shows including Penny Dreadful and enjoyed roles in films such as The Riot Club with Sam Claflin.
But this is the first time he will be the star of the show.
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David Walliams screams as he pulls a sword out of Alex Magala’s mouth on Britain’s Got Talent- The Champions
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