Jeremy Clarkson appeared to take a pointed swipe at Stacey Solomon after Clarkson's Farm won Best Factual Entertainment at the National Television Awards on Wednesday night.
The former Top Gear presenter accepted the prize at the O2 Arena and used his speech to praise his team, saying they had “worked way harder than anyone else in this room.” On stage he also joked that his trousers had slipped because of taking the diabetes drug Mounjaro. In the winners' room later he told reporters, “It's great that a farming show can beat a house cleaning show,” in what was widely seen as a reference to Solomon's Sort Your Life Out, which was nominated in the same category alongside her other programme, Stacey & Joe.
Solomon, who had two programmes shortlisted in the factual entertainment category, had earlier described organisers' decision to place both shows in the same category as “absolutely ludicrous.” Speaking on Magic Radio on the day of the awards, the Loose Women panellist said she was “so grateful” to be shortlisted but called the pairing odd, adding, “We're up against each other which is absolutely ludicrous!”
Clarkson's remarks were one of several headline moments at the NTAs, which also featured a visibly awkward onstage reunion between Love Island star Maura Higgins and McFly singer Danny Jones. The pair, whose interaction at a BRIT Awards afterparty in February attracted significant media attention, appeared together when I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! collected the award for Best Reality Competition. Danny Jones, who won the ITV show last year, gave the acceptance speech while Higgins stood nearby. Viewers reacted on social media, with many describing the encounter as uncomfortable and posting critical comments about the pair sharing the stage.
Organisers presented awards across drama, entertainment, comedy and factual categories. New drama Adolescence won its category, Michael McIntyre's Big Show was named the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award winner, and EastEnders was voted Serial Drama of the year. The evening also recognised winners in quiz, comedy and daytime programming, with longstanding shows and newer series sharing the shortlist.
Solomon left the event without a trophy despite her double nomination in the factual entertainment category. Clarkson's victory continues the strong profile of Clarkson's Farm, which has been commercially successful and repeatedly highlighted in awards seasons since its debut. He has previously been outspoken at public events and in interviews; his remarks at the NTAs were consistent with his combative public persona.
The National Television Awards are decided by public vote, and the ceremony has in recent years combined industry recognition with moments that draw intense attention on social media. Wednesday's broadcast drew commentary for both its winners and the personal tensions and jokes that punctuated the night.
Representatives for Clarkson and for Stacey Solomon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.