It comes after Gary doubled down on his right to air his views on social media

PRESENTERS Ant and Dec joked that they were reduced to tears after losing out to Gary Lineker at the NTAs.

Gary won the Best Presenter award, ending the Geordie duos 23-year monopoly on that particular gong.

Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly crying in South Africa.
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Ant and Dec pretended to cry after losing out to GaryCredit: Instagram

Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly in South Africa.
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But stuck their tongues out moments later to show they were only messingCredit: Instagram

The pair are currently in South Africa ahead of filming the I’m A Celebrity All Stars, and took to TikTok to share a video expressing how they’re feeling.

They captioned the post: “Absolutely gutted we traded British drizzle for South African sunshine,” before both stuck out their tongues.

Then added: “We’re really going through it here guys.”

After losing out to former Match of the Day host Gary in Wednesday night’s award ceremony, Ant and Dec took shared a message on Instagram on Thursday.

It read: “We just wanted to join you and say a huge, huge thank you to everyone who voted for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! last night.

“Everyone here is very, very happy. And also thank you to everyone who voted for us in the Best Presenter category, even though we couldn’t get it across the line this year.

“We were beaten by an up-and-coming new guy, 64-year-old whippersnapper, Gary Lineker.

“Congratulations Gary, very well done. Lovely speech, thoroughly deserved, well done.”

And speaking to The Sun after the result, Gary shared his pride at finally knocking Ant and Dec off their perch.

He said: “I’m in shock. Someone has won this for 23 years so it’s a surprise.
Ant & Dec are finally beaten to NTAs Best Presenter award for first time in 23 YEARS in shock result
“It’s beautiful, it’s amazing. I’m just emotional really.”

It was the first NTA nomination since 2017 for Gary, who left the BBC in May, after 26 years as Match of the Day host.

His departure came at the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season, following a number of controversies relating to his social media use.

Speaking of the success and addressing the controversy, he said: “I don’t think anyone seriously thought I was cancelled — it was obviously just a mistake and an oversight.

“I was never in the slightest bit concerned about that. It’s no doubt that this sends a message that you can speak your mind and have your views.”

And during his acceptance speech at the NTA’s, Gary doubled down on his right to air his views.

He said: “I think it demonstrates that perhaps it’s OK, sometimes, to use our platform to speak up.”

Speaking on the red carpet prior to the ceremony, Gary suggested he had no chance of winning, saying he was only in attendance at London‘s O2 Arena, “for the canapes”.

Ant and Dec meanwhile, were thousands of miles away in Kruger National Park, so were at least spared from having to see Gary pick up his award in person.

Gary Lineker accepting an award on stage.
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Gary Lineker on stage after winning the awardCredit: Getty