Molly‑Mae Hague was declared the winner of the Authored Documentary award at the National Television Awards on Wednesday, a result that prompted strong criticism online after she beat a documentary about the late rugby league star Rob Burrow.
The 26‑year‑old influencer accepted the gong for her six‑part Prime Video series Molly‑Mae: Behind It All, which follows her launch of a fashion brand following her split from professional boxer Tommy Fury. Onstage, Hague joked that she had lost a shoe while walking to the microphone and said being nominated was "such an honour," adding that the category had featured "some seriously inspirational people."
Hague was up against several high‑profile documentaries, including There's Only One Rob Burrow, which chronicles the late athlete's battle with motor neurone disease and his death last year at the age of 41. Viewers took to X to express anger at the outcome, with posts questioning how Hague could prevail over programmes they described as more "inspirational."
Comments on the social platform included: "Please explain how Molly Mae won that award when the others was much more inspirational. She should not of been in the same category! #NTAs" and "Disgusting that Molly Mae won an award beating Rob Burrows. You cannot even compare them. What the hell is wrong with people voting in this way." Other posts said the result was an "epic fail" and asked who had chosen the winner.
The National Television Awards, which are voted for by the British public, celebrated their 30th anniversary this year. The ceremony, established in 1995 to give viewers a direct voice in recognising television talent, was attended by stars across genres and featured red‑carpet coverage hosted by Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks.
Organisers said winners were chosen by public vote, which has historically been conducted via post, telephone and online. Alongside Hague's win, the night honoured a range of shows and performers: New Drama went to Wednesday, Returning Drama to Happy Valley, the TV Presenter prize to Ant & Dec, Drama Performance to Sarah Lancashire for Happy Valley, the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award to Gogglebox, Serial Drama to EastEnders and the Talent Show award to Strictly Come Dancing.
Hague's series debuted on Prime Video in January and attracted attention for its access to her professional and personal life. There's Only One Rob Burrow, meanwhile, received widespread praise for its portrayal of Burrow's life and his family's experience of motor neurone disease. The contrasting subject matter of the entries in the Authored Documentary category contributed to the public reaction when the result was announced.
Organisers did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the social media reaction. The NTAs are determined by public ballots, and the ceremony's format means outcomes can reflect voting patterns among different fan communities as well as broader public sentiment.
The debate on social media underscored persistent tensions over how awards decide merit between entertainment‑focused projects and documentaries centred on illness, bereavement and public service. The NTAs concluded with presenters and winners acknowledging the range of programmes recognised and the role of the public vote in determining recipients.