Molly‑Mae Hague smiled and gave a thumbs up while out with her daughter Bambi on Thursday after winning the National Television Award for Authored Documentary, a victory that has prompted criticism from viewers and some public figures.
Hague won for Molly‑Mae: Behind It All, a six‑part series released on Prime Video in January that follows the former Love Island contestant as she navigates a highly public split from Tommy Fury and the launch of her fashion brand. Her win over nominees including There's Only One Rob Burrow and Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me has been called ‘‘shocking’’ by some commentators and met with anger from viewers on social media.
Vogue Williams was the latest broadcaster to question the result while discussing the awards on ITV’s Lorraine, joking that ‘‘I’m going to plan a break up because then I’m going to win an NTA myself’’ and saying there were ‘‘quite a few shocked faces in the room’’ when Hague was announced as the winner. Williams also noted Hague paid tribute to the Burrow family in her acceptance speech.
Hague, 26, acknowledged the other nominees as she collected the trophy, saying it was ‘‘such an honour’’ to be nominated and that she had been ‘‘up against some seriously inspirational people in this category.’' She gave a specific nod to Rob Burrow, whose documentary chronicled his battle with motor neurone disease before his death last year, telling the audience: "To Lindsay, Rob Burrow's wife and his children, his story was far more inspirational than mine could ever be. It was just incredible and touched me in more ways than I can explain. This one's for you Rob, and to the other inspirational people in this category." Hague also joked about losing a shoe as she walked onstage.
Amy Dowden, the former Strictly Come Dancing professional who made Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me about her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, posted on social media to congratulate Hague and to express pride in her own nomination. "Huge congratulations to Molly‑Mae on your NTA win! It's been an honour to be nominated alongside such powerful and inspiring documentaries," Dowden wrote. She added that she had chosen to share her experience to raise awareness and offer hope to others.
Viewers took to X to criticise the result, posting messages such as "Please explain how Molly‑Mae won that award when the others was much more inspirational" and "Disgusting that Molly‑Mae won an award beating Rob Burrows. You cannot even compare them." Some users pointed to visible reactions in the audience and among presenters as evidence of surprise at the outcome.
The National Television Awards, held at London’s O2 Arena and hosted by Joel Dommett for its 30th anniversary, are voted for by the public. The ceremony on Wednesday night produced several notable wins: Gary Lineker took Best Presenter, ending Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly’s 23‑year streak; This Morning won Best Daytime; EastEnders won Best Serial Drama; and Netflix’s Adolescence won Best New Drama while its young star Owen Cooper won Best Drama Performance.
Other winners included Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, which took The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award; Lee Mack’s The 1% Club for Best Quiz Show; and Gavin & Stacey for Best Comedy. Jeremy Clarkson’s Clarkson's Farm won Factual Entertainment. The event featured an award recognising Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park.
Organisers describe the NTAs as a celebration of the nation’s most loved television stars and programmes, with winners chosen by public vote by post, telephone and online. Hague’s victory and the reaction to it highlight the differing views among voters, industry figures and audiences about how television programming and documentary storytelling are judged and valued.
Representatives for Hague, Vogue Williams and the National Television Awards did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.