Lizzie Cundy braved London tube strikes to reach the National Television Awards on Wednesday evening, posing on a train in a strapless red gown as she made her way to the O2 Arena. The TV personality, 57, who combined a bouncy blow-dry with gold-sequined detailing and coordinated accessories, posted on social media that she was determined to attend despite disruption to the capital's transport.
"Strike or no strike... I will get to the ball. NTAs here I come!" Cundy wrote alongside images of her journey. Other television figures also described last-minute anxieties ahead of the ceremony, underscoring the unusual travel and wardrobe pressures that accompanied the awards night.
Harriet Cowan, known for her appearances on Clarkson's Farm, said she had a "wardrobe meltdown" before the event, posting five outfit options on TikTok and asking followers for help. Cowan said she rarely socialises with celebrities and admitted to feeling nervous about what to wear. Vogue Williams, by contrast, shared a sneak peek of her chosen look on Instagram, arriving in a plunging black, backless dress complemented by silver earrings.
The red-carpet arrivals were hosted for a second consecutive year by Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks as stars gathered to mark the NTAs' 30th anniversary. The awards, held at London's O2 Arena and broadcast live on ITV2, celebrate television chosen by the British public. Established in 1995 to give viewers a direct voice in recognising TV talent, the ceremony has allowed the public to vote via post, telephone and online.
Ant and Dec are widely expected to retain the TV Presenter award for a 24th consecutive year. The pair face competition from Claudia Winkleman, Gary Lineker, Alison Hammond and Stacey Solomon. Ant and Dec's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! is also among nominees in the Reality category, where it competes with Love Island, Race Across the World and The Traitors.
Drama categories reflect a strong year for scripted television. Netflix's Adolescence was singled out as a standout, with actor Owen Cooper's portrayal of Jamie Miller described by IndieWire as "enraging, emotional, horrifying, and heartbreaking in equal measure." Adolescence is nominated alongside Code of Silence, Ludwig, MobLand and Rivals in the Best Drama field. UK serial dramas remained prominent on the ballots, with Coronation Street and Emmerdale among contenders boosted by increased viewing after their placement on ITVX, and Casualty, EastEnders and Hollyoaks also up for recognition.
Gavin & Stacey, which concluded with a much-anticipated final episode in December, was listed among nominees in comedy categories that also include Brassic, Michael McIntyre's 25th Year Stand-Up Special and Mrs Brown's Boys. Other categories span quiz shows, factual entertainment and returning drama, reflecting the breadth of programming embraced by viewers.
Voting outcomes were set to be announced during a live broadcast featuring entertainment performances, with awards scheduled to be handed out through the evening. The ceremony aims to honour a wide array of popular programming and personalities, a format organisers describe as "a celebration of the nation's most loved stars and shows."
Despite transport disruption and pre-show jitters, stars continued to arrive at the O2, underscoring the NTAs' continued role as a high-profile fixture in the British television calendar.