Dermot O’Leary has APOLOGISED to Ant McPartlin after joking that he and Dec didn’t deserve another National Television Award
ANT hit back at Dermot O’Leary for a “foolish” suggestion that he and Dec don’t deserve the best presenter gong at the National Television Awards this year.
The popular pair are in line to scoop the title for an 18th consecutive year.
But, the ceremony’s host, backed Holly Willoughby or Graham Norton to break Ant and Dec’s record run — adding: “If they win it, having not been on television, we may as well just chuck in the towel.”
The comments went viral and Dermot, 45, quickly texted Ant.
Ant says: “He was kind of joking. I say kind of because it was one of those foolish things to say that’s going to be taken in a serious manner.
“He said, ‘Oh my God mate, I’m so sorry’. I challenged him to a fight in the school playground in my response. ‘3pm, schoolbags off’.
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“Then I said, ‘Look I get it, no worries’.”
Ant and Dec will not be at Tuesday’s awards bash because they will be tied up filming a Britain’s Got Talent audition day.
Ant remarks: “If we do win — and I hope people still vote — then Dec deserves it. He’s worked his socks off this year.
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“It’s an accolade to how hard he’s worked in tough circumstances. How good a friend he’s been to me. How much of a professional he is.”
Ant adds: “It’s not going to be the end of the world if we don’t win. I know more than anyone that life’s more important than an award.
“But if we do win, then Dec will have to take most of it and I’ll take a tiny bit for my few shows last year.”
Ant neither asked nor received any money for this interview.
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