Ant Middleton reveals he’s ‘stolen’ Ant and Dec’s Best Presenter National Television Award and says pair HAVEN’T been in touch to get it back

SAS tough guy Ant Middleton hilariously revealed he’s “stolen” Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly’s National Television Award after they were unable to accept the honour in person.

The popular presenting duo weren’t able to attend this year’s NTAs due to Britain’s Got Talent filming commitments but accepted the award from the stage of the London Palladium during last night’s broadcast.

And in their absence, 38-year-old Ant, who is the star of SAS: Who Dares Wins, took home the Geordie hosts’ award and joked he has now claimed the NTA statue.

Speaking on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio this morning, the former soldier said: “I presented the NTAs for Best TV Presenter to Ant and Dec last night.
“It was Ant, Ant and Dec but because they weren’t there I took the award. Obviously [my name is] Ant, I thought, ‘it’s mine’ so I just left with it. I’ve got it at home.”

Chris laughed: “You should have brought it in, we could have put it on eBay.”

The admission comes hours after Ant, who spent most of the year on a break from work after his drink-drive crash, admitted he was “genuinely shocked” as he accepted the award with his presenting partner Dec.

The pals beat tough competition from Holly Willoughby to win the gong at last night’s awards, which were held at London’s The O2.

“Thank you this is a genuine shock, especially this year,” he said. “I’m shaking here, we want to say thank you to everybody, I really don’t feel like I can accept this this year.

“The one reason we’ve won the award this year is because of this guy, his hard work, dedication, wit, funniness and being the best mate there is out there, I love you man, well done.”

Ant then pulled Dec in for a hug and said: “It’s good to be back well done pal.”

They also made a dig at rival Dermot O’Leary who previously said he would quit the business if Ant and Dec won for the 18th year in a row.

“Special mention to Dermot who said he was going to chuck the towel in if we won this year so… happy retirement Dermot!” Dec joked.

Dermot previously told The Sun: “If they win it, having not been on television, we may as well just chuck in the towel.”

Taking to Twitter after winning the award, the boys shared a selfie.

Dec tweeted: Thank you doesn’t seem to cover it this year. We are humbled and honoured.

“We are so appreciative of your continued support and good wishes, they are never taken for granted. Thank u again. Now back to #BGT auditions! D x #NTAs.”

Last week Ant admitted his “whole world came crashing in” last March when he was involved in that infamous drink-drive crash in the midst of a divorce battle.

But after receiving treatment for alcohol, addiction and mental health issues, the ITV star has made a big comeback presenting the Britain’s Got Talent auditions.

Listen to The Chris Evans Breakfast Show weekdays from 6:30am. The show is available nationally on DAB digital radio, online at  and on mobile via the Virgin Radio app.

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