The Chasers reveal they’ve been helping Bradley Walsh understand Doctor Who
Doctor Who fan Jenny Ryan is on hand to explain Doctor Who plots and concepts to Bradley Walsh
The Chasers say they've been helping their co-star Bradley Walsh with his new role in Doctor Who – by helping him understand "the concept of space-time." Celebrating at the National Television Awards after The Chase won the gong for Best Quiz Show, Chaser Jenny Ryan told RadioTimes.com: "He's still getting me to explain plots to him." Bradley Walsh accepted a National Television Award – via FaceTime! Stay up to date with the RadioTimes.com newsletter View oEmbed on the source website Apparently, Walsh has needed a little help with "the concept of space-time," while Chaser Shaun Wallace had a go at explaining the Tardis. Mark Labbett joked: "I had to explain to him the Tardis was like my fridge, basically. Bigger on the inside." Walsh may have been unable to make it to the awards ceremony thanks Doctor Who filming, but his Chasers were full of praise. "I would think we are the biggest quiz show in the world right now, in terms of market coverage, and I'm actually certain we've got the best game show presenter in the world now in Bradley Walsh," Labbett said. "We're so proud of him," Ryan added. This article was originally published on 23 January 2019 Sign up for the free RadioTimes.com newsletter
Holly and Phil: 'We’re not in any trouble for calling Dancing on Ice star Gemma Collins unprofessional'
Dancing on Ice presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield stand by their remarks about Gemma Collins on This Morning
Dancing on Ice was noticeably frostier than usual last Sunday, after Gemma Collins had a fiery row with judge Jason Gardiner live on TV. The twosome clashed after TOWIE star Collins, 37, accused the 47-year-old choreographer of “selling stories” on her, after he called her “lazy” to The Sun. Dancing on Ice 2019 week 3: Let It Go? Gemma and Jason certainly wouldn't... Who left Dancing on Ice? Full list of eliminated celebrities Dancing on Ice contestants: Who is Gemma Collins? Meet the TOWIE star taking to the rink The heated discussion came after a rough week for Collins, who was also accused by Dancing on Ice hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield of being “unprofessional”, following remarks by Kem Cetinay that she had left the live shows early because she was “bored”. Collins went on to request a public apology from the This Morning hosts, saying it would "go a long way". But Willoughby and Schofield say the behind-the-scenes drama only adds to the show’s pantomime atmosphere... View oEmbed on the source website Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com after collecting their National Television Award for Best Daytime Show, Schofield explained, “No, we weren’t in trouble [for calling Gemma unprofessional] at all. “What’s lovely is that it’s fantastic telly, it’s great to watch and I am so thrilled that Gemma is out there and doing it. “It’s brilliant panto. What you saw on Sunday is when two pantos collide.” When pressed on whose side he was taking in the drama, he added, “I’m on the side of Dancing on Ice!” Willoughby added, “When we arrive on a Sunday morning, what will be will be. That’s why we like live TV, it’s the unpredictability of what’s actually going to happen. The drama unfolds in front of you and you deal with what happens.” Willoughby and Schofield’s comments come after fellow judge Ashley Banjo teased that the simmering Dancing on Ice tensions are set to continue. “I think there’s a little more to be said. I’m interested to see what happens,” he told RadioTimes.com on the awards ceremony's red carpet. “What can I say? Who doesn’t love a little bit of drama? But at the same time you don’t want it to overtake what’s happening in the show.” 2018 was a busy year for Willoughby, as Rochelle Humes was drafted in to cover for her while she sat in for Ant McPartlin to present I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! with Declan Donnelly. “Starting with the friendship first was the really important thing,” Willoughby said. “I hadn’t worked with Dec before but he’s very similar to Phil. It didn’t feel that far removed from being at home on the sofa. Schofield added: “I think it’s nice because we’re all mates. Everybody’s mates. The four of us, and the extended friends – Rochelle’s part of that as well. We’re all friends and that makes it so much better. You know that everyone knows the roles they are playing." “We’re like Gwyneth and Chris, we consciously uncoupled,” laughed Willoughby. Dancing on Ice continues Sunday at 6pm on ITV This Morning continues weekdays at 10.30am, also on ITV Sign up to the RadioTimes.com email newsletter
Ant and Dec receive Guinness World Record for historic 18th consecutive National Television Award
The duo accepted the award on-stage at the Britain's Got Talent auditions in London
Ant and Dec have been presented with a Guinness World Record following their 18th consecutive Best TV Presenter win at the National Television Awards. 8 of the most memorable moments from the National Television Awards 2019 David Dimbleby receives standing ovation as he hosts final Question Time All the winners at the National Television Awards 2019 The duo – who won the award via public vote despite Ant McPartlin missing I'm A Celeb, the live stages of Britain's Got Talent and the final episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway – accepted the world record certificates on stage at the BGT auditions in The London Palladium. Everything you need to know about Britain's Got Talent 2019 “We wouldn’t have got any of the National Television Awards if it wasn’t for you voting!" Ant said, after a two minute standing ovation from the audience. "This is for you!” Dec then chimed in: "It’s genuinely a really exciting moment! We’re record breakers!” View oEmbed on the source website The duo beat out Ant's I'm a Celeb stand-in Holly Willoughby and her This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield to take home the award at the 2019 ceremony. Ant made a long-awaited return to his TV hosting duties earlier this month, as the Britain's Got Talent auditions kicked off in the capital. His first episode back is due to air later this year. Read more: The best TV shows airing in 2019
Danny Dyer hints at EastEnders return for Mick Carter's kids
The Carter family could be reunited if Danny Dyer has his way
Plenty of old favourites are set to be returning to EastEnders later year, with new senior executive producer Kate Oates bringing Ben Mitchell, Lola Pearce and Sean Slater back to stalk Albert Square once more. And EastEnders favourite Danny Dyer, who plays Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter, is keen to add to the growing list of returning characters, expressing an interest at having Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) and Lee Carter (Danny-Boy Hatchard) back in the BBC1 soap. Could Dani Dyer join EastEnders as the new Stacey Slater? EastEnders couple in shock split "This is possibly the BBC's finest hour" – 9 of the best reactions to Danny Dyer's Right Royal Family Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com after he won the National Television Award for Best Serial Drama Performance, Dyer explained, “I want a few of my kids back on the show. Maddy Hill would be great, as would Danny-Boy Hatchard. I think they’re missed. I’m quite intrigued to see what Kate’s got planned.” View oEmbed on the source website Fans of EastEnders will remember Nancy’s exit in 2016, with the character choosing to leave the Square to go travelling with boyfriend Tamwar Masood (Himesh Patel). Meanwhile, Lee had an emotional exit in 2017 to start a new life in Dover. Lee faced a series of dramatic storylines surrounding his mental health during his time in the soap. While Harchard said he was “pleased not to get typecast”, he told The Mirror he was glad the door was always open for him. “I may go back into TV. You can't be choosey in this game,” he said. Meanwhile, Dyer added there was “a real buzz” around EastEnders with Oates now joining the soap. “We’ve had a mad couple of years, we’ve had some good stuff and some not so good, and I think what we needed was someone to stay for the long term,” he said, “John Yorke came in and was good, proven, but he really came in to steady the ship, and he did that. “And now we’ve got Kate who’s brilliant; she’s young, she’s ambitious, she’s hungry. She did it at Emmerdale and Corrie. She’s only just starting, it’s just the beginning and we’re buzzing.” EastEnders continues at 7:30pm on BBC1 Sign up to the RadioTimes.com email newsletter
This actor WON'T be returning for Bodyguard series two
"Count me out" says one of the stars of the hit BBC1 drama
BBC1 struck television gold last year with Bodyguard, the 'drama of the decade' starring Richard Madden as David Budd, a war veteran-turned-Specialist Protection Officer. With more red-herrings, conspiracy plots, shock deaths and nail-biting cliffhangers than you could shake a file of kompromat at, viewers were left on the edge of their seats throughout the show. Bodyguard action-packed ending EXPLAINED Meet the cast of Bodyguard on BBC1 BBC journalists are already bidding for cameos in Bodyguard series two So it hardly came as a surprise when creator Jed Mercurio announced last September that he was entering into talks with the BBC about a possible second series. Although nothing's been confirmed yet, one key cast member has already ruled themselves out of appearing in another series. View oEmbed on the source website Pippa Haywood, who played Budd's SO15 boss Lorraine Craddock, has revealed that fans can "probably count [her] out". Speaking to RadioTimes.com at the National Television Awards, Haywood and her Bodyguard co-star Ash Tandon (who played DCI Deepak Sharma) were asked whether their characters would return for series two. "You know what, there's a lot of mystery around season one so there'll be a lot of mystery around season two," Tandon said. "Discussions are ongoing aren't they... We'll have to wait and see." However, Haywood seemed to confirm that her character, Craddock, would not be returning: "No spoilers... But I think we can probably count me out." Throughout series one, Mercurio kept viewers on their toes — and practically every character was a suspect following the death of Keeley Hawes' Home Secretary, Julia Montague. In the end, it seemed that about the half the cast were implicated in the conspiracy – including Lorraine Craddock. View oEmbed on the source website Craddock was revealed to be the "inside man" for crime boss Luke Aitkens, one of the masterminds behind Julia's death. Luke had taken offence to the Home Secretary's proposed legislation (snappily titled RIPA 18) that would transfer powers from the police to security services — a potential blow to Luke, who had already managed to infiltrate the police. Craddock also explained the reason why Budd was assigned as Julia's PPO in the first place: "He’d make the perfect fall guy." However, even if Craddock stays safely locked behind bars — and off screen — for the duration of Bodyguard series two, we've no doubt Mercurio will be able to think up another villain... or 20.
Bradley Walsh "doesn't want to replace" The Chase with Doctor Who says Anne Hegerty
“I think he takes The Chase as seriously as we do,” assures The Governess
Fear not, quiz show fans! There’s no danger of Bradley Walsh quitting The Chase and disappearing into the space-time continuum of Doctor Who altogether, says Anne Hegerty. The Chase star, who is also known as The Governess, assured RadioTimes.com at the National Television Awards that Walsh “doesn’t want to replace” presenting the quiz show with his role as Jodie Whittaker’s companion in Doctor Who. National Television Awards 2019: winners in full Bradley Walsh accepted a National Television Award – via FaceTime! Stay up to date with the RadioTimes.com newsletter “I think he takes The Chase as seriously as we do,” said Hegerty, explaining that Walsh is committed to both The Chase and Doctor Who. “So I think whatever he takes on, he wants it to fit around The Chase. He doesn’t want to replace it.” View oEmbed on the source website The Chase picked up Best Quiz Show at the 2019 NTAs, with Walsh phoning in via FaceTime from filming Doctor Who in South Africa to 'be there' with his Chaser colleagues as they collected the award. Doctor Who is currently filming series 12, which is set for release in 2020. While The Governess is not concerned about Walsh taking on both roles, she does worry about Walsh not turning up to The Chase studios for other reasons: “I constantly panic that Bradley’s going to have a heart attack or fall under a bus,” she said. Or get lost inside the Tardis?
Did you notice the blooper at the very end of the National Television Awards?
HEADLINE DESCRIPTION OR JUST HEADLINE IF TOO LONG
And the prize for best credit mess-up goes to… The National Television Awards. Eagle-eyed viewers of the ceremony – which saw big wins for This Morning, Strictly Come Dancing, Bodyguard and more – noticed a brilliant copy and paste error in the text that closed the ITV broadcast. Emotional Ant dedicates NTA for Best TV Presenter to Dec after 18th consecutive win David Dimbleby didn’t think twice about praising the BBC during the NTAs’ live ITV broadcast RadioTimes.com newsletter: get the latest TV and entertainment news direct to your inbox View oEmbed on the source website While acknowledging various studios in its “With thanks to” section, the credits listed gratitude for “Television Centre, White City or just Television Centre if too long.” View oEmbed on the source website And Twitter was quick to share similar versions of the mess-up… View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Despite the error at the show’s end, the night saw huge wins for the likes of Danny Dyer, I'm a Celebrity and Ant and Dec. The Geordie duo picked up their 18th consecutive win for Best Presenter, despite McPartlin being off-screens since March 2018. Other big winners of the night included This Morning (who won Best Daytime Show), Richard Madden (Best Drama Performance) and Peter Kay's Car Share (Best Comedy). You can see the full list of winners here. Sign up for the free RadioTimes.com newsletter
Emotional Ant dedicates NTA for Best TV Presenter to Dec after 18th consecutive win
The presenting duo proved they remain fan favourites – despite not attending the ceremony
Ant and Dec's presenting partnership has had a turbulent year, with Ant choosing to spend the last nine months on an extended break after pleading guilty to drink driving in April. But that hasn't stopped viewers voting in their droves to name the pair Best Entertainment Presenters at the National Television Awards for the 18th consecutive year. National Television Awards: full list of winners The pair had been nominated alongside Bradley Walsh, Graham Norton, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, and many had wondered whether 2019 might be the year to end their winning streak. But when their names were called, a visibly emotional Ant told the NTA audience via video link: "This is a genuine shock, especially this year. I'm shaking. "I really don't feel like I can accept this award this year. The one reason we won this award this year is because of this guy," he added, indicating Dec. "His hard work, dedication, funniness – and being the best mate there is out there." Dec – who was appearing alongside Ant via link from the Britain's Got Talent auditions – added: "I've got him back now and now we're back together. This year, probably more than ever, thank you to all of you who picked up the phone and voted for us." This is why Ant and Dec chose not to attend the National Television Awards Ant had previously discussed the possibility of winning the category, explaining his presenting partner Dec deserved the prize. “He’s worked his socks off this year. It’s an accolade to how hard he’s worked in tough circumstances. How good a friend he’s been to me. How much of a professional he is.” He added to The Sun, “If we do win – and I hope people still vote – then Dec deserves it. “Dec will have to take most of it and I’ll take a tiny bit for my few shows last year.” The duo's win drew mixed reactions from viewers. Many were over the moon for them... View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Especially after Dec won rave reviews for his solo presenting on Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain's Got Talent. View oEmbed on the source website But there were those who questioned whether this should have been a year when fans voted to recognise some of their fellow nominees. View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Especially Holly Willoughby, who won praise from critics after stepping in for Ant on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Still, whatever you think, Piers Morgan vowed not to appear on telly for a year if the pair won. So that's something. View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website
David Dimbleby didn’t think twice about praising the BBC during the NTAs' live ITV broadcast
The veteran political broadcaster saw his chance and took it
David Dimbleby used his speech at ITV's National Television Awards to praise the BBC – and he has no regrets. This year's Special Recognition Award went to the veteran political presenter, who stepped down as host of Question Time in December 2018. As the NTAs went out live on ITV, he took his chance to praise the broadcaster's rival channel as "one of the great national institutions" which is "absolutely essential for our national life." 8 of the most memorable moments from the National Television Awards 2019 David Dimbleby receives standing ovation as he hosts final Question Time Stay up to date with the RadioTimes.com newsletter View oEmbed on the source website Asked if he'd had any "second thoughts" about delivering an ode to the BBC on a primetime ITV show, Dimbleby told RadioTimes.com backstage: "None at all! None at all." He added: "I mean, to see four minutes of my work put on ITV – it's to dream for, isn't it? It'll bring in a new audience." The political broadcaster said he was "very proud of the BBC," explaining: "I know they get a lot of brickbats, but I do think it's at the heart of British life, the BBC, really. "And everything else is brilliant, the stuff we've seen tonight, the things that go on on Netflix, but the BBC is at the core of British life in a way and touches a nerve I think that other stations, broadcasters, don't automatically do. Moments of crisis, moments of drama. I think the BBC is really important, so I thought I'd speak out for them." Dimbleby also revealed that he has yet to watch his replacement on Question Time, Fiona Bruce – but he does plan to tune in soon. "I will, I will watch it," he said. "I won't watch it obsessively, and I won't watch it thinking, 'I wonder how she's doing,' I'll watch it if I think the topics are interesting, or the politicians are interesting." The broadcaster also confirmed he would "always" be keen to take part in BBC election night coverage – but that he will not be back as host for the next general election. Dimbleby had been expected to step down after his 2015 general election swan-song, but he made an unexpected return for both the 2016 EU referendum and the 2017 snap general election – and there have been reports that he could front the BBC's coverage if there's another general election this year. But while he still loves "the drama of politics" and hopes to be involved in some capacity, Dimbleby told us: "I won't be hosting the general election – I've done ten and I think I've had my stint. I've had my fair share of elections." Still – he has no plans to retire. "I've got one two three four balls in the air, so to speak. I'm just playing with ideas at the moment," he said. "My main plan is not to stop, and carry on broadcasting. I love it. So as long as I can draw breath, I'd like to do it." Sign up for the free RadioTimes.com newsletter
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are hoping to land this A-list actor for Strictly 2019
The Strictly Come Dancing 2019 line-up could be the show’s most impressive yet
It may seem like yesterday that Stacey Dooley waltzed off with Strictly Come Dancing's Glitterball trophy, but speculation is already rife with who might take part in the beloved BBC1 show in 2019. When does Strictly Come Dancing 2019 start? Who are the contestants? 8 of the most memorable moments from the National Television Awards 2019 National Television Awards 2019: winners in full So far, Chris Evans, Huw Edwards and Vogue Williams have been touted as favourites to hit the dance floor when the series returns in the autumn. But Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have a few other names in mind for the competition. View oEmbed on the source website Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com after winning the National Television Award for Best Talent Show, Daly said, “My list starts with Michael Caine. I met him. He told me he’s a fan and he watches the show!” Meanwhile, co-host Winkleman said, “My dream Strictly contestant would be Elizabeth Hurley, she’d be amazing.” However, despite being at the helm of the hugely popular show, the pair both admitted that they were as in the dark as everybody else when it came to the line-up. “I’m the last to know,” joked Winkleman. “They tell Tess. They tell me about three weeks later.” Strictly Come Dancing has been well decorated with accolades since its inception in 2004, winning the coveted Rose d’Or for Best Variety Show in 2014, as well as a total of six NTAs. Emotional Ant pays tribute to Dec after winning 18th consecutive NTA for Best TV Presenter It’s the National Television Award that means the most for Daly, as she explained, “We’re thrilled to bits that people at home voted for us and that means more than any other awards I think because people at home took the time to vote for you. It’s major. “It’s lovely when people tell you they stay in on a Saturday night with their family to watch it. It’s part of their routine in the winter and they really look forward to it, and that’s a huge privilege, I think, to be part of people’s Saturday nights.” Strictly Come Dancing is set to return in Autumn on BBC1 Sign up to the RadioTimes.com email newsletter
Could Dani Dyer join EastEnders as 'the new Stacey Slater'?
Danny Dyer says working with daughter Dani on the soap would be his "dream job"
EastEnders viewers could be seeing double Dyers on Albert Square, after Danny Dyer revealed that he'd love daughter Dani to join him on the hit BBC1 soap. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the National Television Awards – after picking up the gong for Best Serial Drama Performance – 41-year-old Danny said working with Love Island winner Dani, 23, would be his "dream job". Everything you need to know about Danny Dyer's Right Royal Family Danny Dyer discovers he's related to a saint in new show Right Royal Family Who is Dani Dyer? Meet the Love Island contestant and daughter of EastEnders actor Danny Dyer “I’d love her to come into it, she’d be great for the show, she’s a very good actor," said Danny. “She’s obviously gone off and done Love Island and it’s worked out alright. She’s great, she’s brilliant and I love her so much. I’d love to work with her, it’d be my dream job working every day together.” When asked what sort of role the younger Dyer would play in the soap, Danny said, “I’d like to see her play someone naughty. A new little Stacey Slater on the scene, do you know what I mean? “It’d be great if we wasn’t family in it. We should be maybe enemies. I don’t know if that would work if I’m an enemy of a 23 year old. I think it’s more exciting to play if you’re enemies. It gives us lots of different dynamics.” View oEmbed on the source website Viewers will see more of the Dyer family on screen for Danny’s one-off historical special, Danny Dyer’s Right Royal Family. Starting tonight, Wednesday 23rd January, the show follows Danny as he explores his royal origins, after he discovered he was related to Edward III in Who Do You Think You Are? But while we do see a glimpse of the Dyer family dynamic as the clan gathers together for an Elizabethan feast, we’re unlikely to see a reality show anytime soon. “Not really my thing,” said Danny. “The one thing that’s still sacred to me is that when I go home and close my front door, that’s mine. It doesn’t matter how much money you want to throw at me for it. “Yes I’m famous and I’m in this weird sort of position of where people know who I am and people want selfies with me, but ultimately I’m a normal dad and husband and I don’t want to give away the one sacred thing I’ve got.” He added in true Danny-style, “I don’t think you could air it. You just couldn’t air it. It’d be far too coarse.” Danny Dyer’s Right Royal Family starts tonight at 9pm on BBC1 EastEnders airs weeknight (except Wednesdays) on BBC1 Sign up to the RadioTimes.com email newsletter
John Barrowman reveals the strangest gift he's received from a Doctor Who fan
Whovians are known for being a hugely loyal and passionate lot – but on this occasion, one particular Doctor Who fan may have pushed their love for the show a little too far. David Tennant has just launched his own podcast – and one of his first guests will be Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker John Barrowman was a very popular NTAS 'replacement' for Dermot O'Leary I'm a Celeb viewers touched by John Barrowman's emotional reunion with his parents John Barrowman, who played Captain Jack Harkness in the BBC1 series and its spin-off Torchwood, revealed that he got a particularly surprising gift in the post from one fan, which left even the flamboyant 51-year-old lost for words – a sex toy. “The most bizarre thing was a fan who gave me a marital aid shaped like a bomb,” he exclusively told RadioTimes.com on the red carpet of the National Television Awards. “It was shaped like the bomb Captain Jack rode to Earth on. So that was a little odd. “But I don’t call [the gifts] weird, I just call it unique.” Despite last having appeared on screen in Doctor Who in 2011, Barrowman, who was attending the ceremony as a finalist from the last series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, said his character was still hugely popular amongst fans. “I do conventions all over the world to thousands upon thousands of people, that’s why I know Jack’s still popular,” he said. “There’s generations who have watched it and we have younger generations who are still coming up watching Torchwood. “If Doctor Who asked me back and they wanted to bring back Torchwood, I would do it at the drop of a hat. Captain Jack changed my life and he will always have a soft spot in my heart.” It was a wild night for Barrowman at the NTAs, with I’m a Celebrity scooping the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award. Giggling along with his campmates Harry Redknapp and Emily Atack, Barrowman, who came third in last year’s I’m a Celeb, said he fully supported host Ant McPartlin on his return to the show. View oEmbed on the source website “We were all so happy Ant is back on a journey, getting back on his feet. For someone to own what they’ve gone through – the respect goes from all of us for that,” he said. “I think Holly was a great host of the show. “Holly had big shoes to fill, but she did it, she landed on it. With Holly’s new blood into the show, alongside Dec, it made it a huge success.” I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! returns to ITV later this year Doctor Who returns to BBC 1 in 2020 Sign up to the RadioTimes.com email newsletter
Sian Gibson on a possible return for Car Share: “I'd love to – you never know”
Peter Kay's Car Share has made one comeback – so could it make another?
Could Car Share make a comeback? Sian Gibson has revealed she would "love to" continue the story of John and Kayleigh – adding: "You never know!" Starring Peter Kay as supermarket assistant manager John Redmond and Gibson as promotions rep Kayleigh Kitson, Car Share gained a huge fanbase across two critically-acclaimed series. 8 of the most memorable moments from the National Television Awards 2019 Did you spot all these hidden jokes in the final episode of Car Share? Stay up to date with the RadioTimes.com newsletter View oEmbed on the source website But despite initially saying that the Bafta-winning comedy drama was over for good, Peter Kay's Car Share returned with two final episodes in May 2018. So could Car Share make another surprise return to our screens? Speaking backstage at the National Television Awards after picking up the gong for Best Comedy, Gibson told RadioTimes.com: "We've no plans at the moment, but who knows? I'd love to, but you never know." The actress has previously revealed she is working on something new with Peter Kay, but details are firmly under wraps. "We're always coming up with silly ideas," she said, adding: "Well we're going trampolining next week, so – you never know!" To be a fly on the wall... Sign up for the free RadioTimes.com newsletter
David Dimbleby says he won't host the BBC's next general election night
The BBC broadcaster has hosted every general election night since 1979
David Dimbleby has said he will not make a comeback as the BBC's election night host – even if Theresa May's government collapses and a snap election is called. The veteran political broadcaster has hosted every general election night for the BBC since 1979. Although he had been expected to step down after the 2015 general election in favour of News at Ten host Huw Edwards, he made an unexpected return for both the EU referendum and the 2017 general election. A history of David Dimbleby's election nights on the BBC David Dimbleby does U-turn to present tenth general election results show for the BBC Stay up to date with the RadioTimes.com newsletter View oEmbed on the source website The Guardian recently reported that Dimbleby is lined up to present the BBC's coverage of any election night in 2019. But speaking backstage at the National Television Awards after receiving his Special Recognition Award, Dimbleby said he had hosted his "fair share" of elections. Asked about the BBC's coverage plans in place for a possible general election, Dimbleby told RadioTimes.com: "I'm sure they're always planning for an election. I mean, they're probably planning for a second referendum, they're probably planning for Brexit on March 29th. They plan all the time. "What part I'll be playing, I don't know. I haven't talked to them." But he revealed his intention to step down, saying: "I won't be hosting the general election – I've done ten and I think I've had my stint. "I've had my fair share of elections." Sign up for the free RadioTimes.com newsletter
I’m a Celebrity 2018 finalists welcome Ant's return to TV: 'We're all so happy he's back on his feet'
Harry Redknapp, John Barrowman and Emily Atack are delighted Ant is back – but full of praise for his replacement Holly
The 2018 edition of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! was one of the most watched series in recent years – partly due to Holly Willoughby’s stellar turn as a host. I'm a Celebrity 2018 final: over 11 million tune in to watch Harry Redknapp crowned King of the Jungle Ant McPartlin admits Dec’s “anger” after his drink driving was “justified” Holly and Phil: 'We’re not in any trouble for calling Dancing on Ice star Gemma Collins unprofessional' The 37-year-old stood in during the 18th series of the show last year, after Ant McPartlin took a step back from hosting duties following an arrest for drink-driving. View oEmbed on the source website While Willoughby has since made it clear she was only filling in for the TV star for one year, I’m a Celeb 2018 finalists John Barrowman and Emily Atack lavished praise on the This Morning presenter, saying it was her “new blood” on the show which made it such a ratings success. National Television Awards: FULL list of winners Speaking to RadioTimes.com after picking up the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award at the National Television Awards for I’m a Celeb, Barrowman explained, “I think Holly was a great host of the show. “Holly had big shoes to fill, but she did it, she landed on it. With Holly’s new blood into the show, alongside Dec, it made it a huge success.” Atack added, “Ant and Dec has always been everyone’s jungle experience up until now, and they’ve done the most incredible job. “We love Ant and Dec as they are, always, but for us, Holly and Dec were our experience. We love both duos, but Holly and Dec were our personal experience and we loved her, it was great.” It was an emotional night for McPartlin and co-host Donnelly, after they won the National Television Award for Best TV Presenter for the 18th consecutive year in a row despite McPartlin's hiatus from TV work. “We were all so happy Ant is back on a journey, getting back on his feet. For someone to own what they’ve gone through – the respect goes from all of us for that,” added Barrowman. Meanwhile, current King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp admitted he’s not been hugely changed by his jungle experience. The self-proclaimed Mr Pasty said that beloved wife Sandra still does everything for him. “I wish I could say I was [a changed man],” he said. “But no, I’m still useless.” “We love Harry the way he is!” said Atack. “We don’t want him to change. He won that competition because everyone loved him for who he was.” I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! returns to ITV later this year Sign up to the RadioTimes.com email newsletter
National Television Awards 2019 - Who's nominated, when is the ceremony on TV and who's hosting?
Celebrating their 24th year, the National Television Awards will see TV's great and good take to the red carpet
Celebrating their 24th year, the National Television Awards are returning in January 2019. The only television ceremony in the UK where all the winners are chosen by the British public, the programme will see TV's great and good take to the red carpet. This year the nominees range from Jed Mercurio's Bodyguard and the latest series of BBC1's Doctor Who starring Jodie Whittaker, to the hit dating show Love Island. Here's everything you need to know about the show, this year's nominees, and how to bag tickets to the event. National Television Awards: winners in full When are the 24th National Television Awards 2019 on TV? The awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday 22nd January 2019 and will air on ITV at 7.30pm, with Dermot O'Leary hosting. Meanwhile Love Island winners Jack and Dani are set to front the backstage coverage and Red Carpet Live. Who are the nominees at this year's NTAs? BBC1's Bodyguard, dubbed the 'drama of the decade', has received two nominations, one for Drama Performance for lead actor Richard Madden, and the other for New Drama. In this latter category, newly created this year, Jed Mercurio's hit series faces stiff competition from the likes of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Killing Eve, The Cry, Girlfriends and A Discovery of Witches. Click here for the full list of nominees The Drama category sees Doctor Who, starring Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, pitted against Peaky Blinders, Our Girl, Casualty — which won last year — and Call the Midwife. And speaking of Doctor Who... Bradley Walsh, the Doctor's latest companion and The Chase presenter, is up against last year's winners Ant & Dec in the Best Presenter category. Whittaker is also nominated alongside Madden in the Drama Performance category. They're up against Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders) and Michelle Keegan (Our Girl). Love Island is up for the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award (won last year by Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway), while Love Island winner (and the awards' backstage presenter this year) Dani Dyer will no doubt be rooting for her dad, Danny Dyer, who's up for a Serial Drama Performance award for his role as Mick Carter in EastEnders. Who are the National Television Awards winners? RadioTimes.com will be covering the National Television Awards live from the O2 – the full list of winners will be revealed here as they're announced on stage. Where will the awards ceremony take place? The ceremony will take place at The O2 in London. Where can I get tickets for the NTAs Tickets for the glitzy event are on sale now on The O2's website. The cheapest tickets start at just £23.50 — hurry though, as VIP and Premium tickets, including those with red carpet access, have already sold out. The dress code is black tie. How do I vote for the NTAs? The National Television Awards are decided by viewers but voting closed on Tuesday 22nd January at noon. The best TV shows airing in 2019 Are the NTAs live? Yep! ITV's coverage will begin at 7.30pm, and the show is due to last 2 hours. Will Ant and Dec attend this year's NTAs? Emotional Ant dedicates NTA for Best TV Presenter to Dec after 18th consecutive win Sadly not. The 17-time consecutive winners of the Best Presenter prize will not attend the 2019 ceremony, despite being nominated. The reason? The duo have Britain's Got Talent commitments with auditions clashing with the NTAs broadcast on 22nd January. Ant returned to TV presenting earlier this week after taking a break from work for most of 2018, including stepping back from his regular gigs on Britain's Got Talent and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! View oEmbed on the source website Who will receive the 2019 NTA Special Recognition Award? Previous recipients have included David Tennant and Ant & Dec, but this year the NTAs' top prize goes to David Dimbleby who in December stepped down from Question Time after 25 years at its helm. His 40-year career will be commemorated at the 2019 ceremony, with other memorable moments including his coverage of the first referendum on Europe in 1975 and his anchoring of the BBC broadcast when Britain voted to leave the EU in 2016. Dimbleby is expected to be in attendance at the O2. Who is performing at the NTAs? John Barrowman was a very popular NTAS ‘replacement’ for Dermot O’Leary Newly-reformed quartet Westlife will take to the stage during the ceremony to perform their new single, Hello My Love, penned by Ed Sheeran. The group – comprised of Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan – will take to the stage at 8pm... View oEmbed on the source website Who won an NTA last year? Last year saw Doctor Foster sweep the board, with wins in Best Drama and in Drama Performance for the show's lead actress Suranne Jones. Emmerdale won Best Serial Drama, but it was Corrie's Lucy Fallon (Bethany Platt) who won the Best Serial Drama Performance, following her dark grooming storyline back in 2017. RadioTimes.com will be covering the NTAs live on the night, with full details of winners as they happen and exclusive interviews
National Television Awards 2019: nominations in full
You can cast your vote for the awards now
Jodie Whittaker has picked up her first major awards nomination for her performance as the 11th Doctor at the National Television Awards 2019. Whittaker will face off against Bodyguard's Richard Madden, Killing Eve's Jodie Comer and Peaky Blinders' Cillian Murphy in the best drama performance category, while Ant & Dec are up for best TV presenter (a category they've won at the last 17 ceremonies) despite Ant having missed most of the year's TV, including the last few episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway, Britain's Got Talent and and all of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! NTAs 2019 - who's nominated, when is the ceremony and who's hosting? Ant's I'm A Celeb replacement, Holly Willoughby, is also up for the award, along with her This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield. Elsewhere Bodyguard, Killing Eve, Discovery of Witches and The Cry have all been nominated for a new category – the best new drama award – while old favourites like Doctor Who, Call The Midwife and Peaky Blinders fight it out for the best drama. Why Ant and Dec won't attend this year's National Television Awards How to vote for the National Television Awards 2019 Voting for the National Television Awards closed at 12 noon on Tuesday 22nd January. Check out the full list of National Television Awards nominees below... Quiz Show 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown A League of Their Own Catchphrase Pointless The Chase New Drama A Discovery of Witches Bodyguard Girlfriends Killing Eve The Cry Talent Show Britain's Got Talent Dancing on Ice Strictly Come Dancing The Voice UK The X Factor Drama Call The Midwife Casualty Doctor Who Our Girl Peaky Blinders TV Presenter Ant & Dec Bradley Walsh Graham Norton Holly Willoughby Phillip Schofield Factual Entertainment Ambulance DIY SOS: The Big Build Gogglebox Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs The Great British Bake Off Drama Performance Cillian Murphy - Thomas Shelby, Peaky Blinders Jodie Comer - Villanelle, Killing Eve Jodie Whittaker - The Doctor, Doctor Who Michelle Keegan - L Cpl Georgia Lane, Our Girl Richard Madden - Sgt David Budd, Bodyguard The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award All Round to Mrs Brown's Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Love Island The Graham Norton Show Serial Drama Coronation Street EastEnders Emmerdale Hollyoaks Serial Drama Performance Bonnie Langford - Carmel Kazemi, EastEnders Danny Dyer - Mick Carter, EastEnders Emma Atkins - Charity Dingle, Emmerdale Jack P Shepherd - David Platt, Coronation Street Lucy Pargeter - Chas Dingle, Emmerdale Comedy Benidorm Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father Mrs Brown's Boys Peter Kay's Car Share The Big Bang Theory Newcomer Aedan Duckworth - Oliver Morgan, Hollyoaks Alexandra Mardell - Emma Brooker, Coronation Street James Moore - Ryan Stocks, Emmerdale Newt Mohan - Dr Rashid "Rash" Masum, Casualty Ricky Champ - Stuart Highway, EastEnders Daytime Good Morning Britain Loose Women Sunday Brunch The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning TV Judge David Walliams Louis Tomlinson Robbie Williams Robert Rinder Simon Cowell The NTAs 2019 will be broadcast live on Tuesday 22nd January 2019 on ITV
Holly Willoughby admits she may struggle presenting This Morning following NTA win
Fans are excited for another 'hangover special' after Phillip Schofield was seen swigging from a hip flask during the National Television Awards 2019
Holly Willoughby has thanked fans after This Morning picked up the award for Best Daytime Programme at the National Television Awards 2019 – and warned that she and Phillip Schofield may not feel quite as sprightly come Wednesday morning's show. 8 of the most memorable moments from the NTAs 2019 National Television Awards 2019: full list of winners The presenter posted a picture of herself and co-host Phillip Schofield (pictured swigging out of a hip flask) to Instagram. "Wow... what a night.... THANK YOU!!!!" she said. " You are the best... we love doing the show and LOVE that you love it too... See you soon, although you may be a little blurry!" View oEmbed on the source website The official This Morning Twitter account is already prepping viewers for a potentially 'hungover' episode on Wednesday morning, captioning a video of the duo's reaction to winning the award by saying, "When you realise you'll be late for work tomorrow". View oEmbed on the source website Holly and Phil's post-NTAs show has become somewhat of a tradition in recent years. Last year, after This Morning won the award for Best Daytime Programme, the pair nursed hangovers, ate bacon sandwiches and finished off the show in a bed in the corner of the studio, with presenter Alison Hammond regaling them with after-party gossip. Let's hope for more of the same this year... View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10.30am
National Television Awards 2019: winners in full
The viewer-voted awards celebrated Britain's favourite TV – discover the winners, as they're announced...
The National Television Awards mark the one time every year when TV viewers get to have their say on their favourite shows of the past 12 months. The big hitters are all nominated – from Bodyguard to Doctor Who, Killing Eve to Peaky Blinders – and viewers have been voting right up until noon on Tuesday 22nd January. This is why Ant and Dec will not attend the National Television Awards The winners are announced on stage at a glitzy ceremony held at London's O2 arena and hosted by Dermot O'Leary. But if you're running a bit behind – or can't quite commit to the two-and-a-half-hour broadcast –then you can find details of all the winners listed below, as they're announced. How to watch the National Television Awards on TV Best Factual Entertainment Ambulance DIY SOS: The Big Build Gogglebox WINNER: Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs The Great British Bake Off Best New Drama A Discovery of Witches WINNER: Bodyguard Girlfriends Killing Eve The Cry Best Daytime Good Morning Britain Loose Women Sunday Brunch The Jeremy Kyle Show WINNER: This Morning Best Newcomer Aedan Duckworth - Oliver Morgan, Hollyoaks Alexandra Mardell - Emma Brooker, Coronation Street WINNER: James Moore - Ryan Stocks, Emmerdale Newt Mohan - Dr Rashid "Rash" Masum, Casualty Ricky Champ - Stuart Highway, EastEnders Best TV Judge WINNER: David Walliams Louis Tomlinson Robbie Williams Robert Rinder Simon Cowell Best Comedy Benidorm Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father Mrs Brown's Boys WINNER: Peter Kay's Car Share The Big Bang Theory Best Drama Performance Cillian Murphy - Thomas Shelby, Peaky Blinders Jodie Comer - Villanelle, Killing Eve Jodie Whittaker - The Doctor, Doctor Who Michelle Keegan - L Cpl Georgia Lane, Our Girl WINNER: Richard Madden - Sgt David Budd, Bodyguard Best Quiz Show 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown A League of Their Own Catchphrase Pointless WINNER: The Chase The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award All Round to Mrs Brown's Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway WINNER: I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Love Island The Graham Norton Show Best Serial Drama Performance Bonnie Langford - Carmel Kazemi, EastEnders WINNER: Danny Dyer - Mick Carter, EastEnders Emma Atkins - Charity Dingle, Emmerdale Jack P Shepherd - David Platt, Coronation Street Lucy Pargeter - Chas Dingle, Emmerdale Special Recognition Award David Dimbleby Best Drama Call The Midwife Casualty Doctor Who Our Girl WINNER: Peaky Blinders Best TV Presenter WINNER: Ant & Dec Bradley Walsh Graham Norton Holly Willoughby Phillip Schofield Emotional Ant dedicates NTA for Best TV Presenter to Dec after 18th consecutive win Best Talent Show Britain's Got Talent Dancing on Ice WINNER: Strictly Come Dancing The Voice UK The X Factor Best Serial Drama Coronation Street EastEnders WINNER: Emmerdale Hollyoaks The NTAs 2019 will be broadcast live on Tuesday 22nd January 2019 on ITV
Bradley Walsh accepted a National Television Award – via FaceTime!
The Chase host is in South Africa filming Doctor Who – but that didn't stop him at least attempting to collect his prize
Bradley Walsh was faced with a logistical challenge for the National Television Awards. It was taking place at London's O2. He was in South Africa, filming for Doctor Who. But that didn't deter him. National Television Awards 2019 – full list of winners When The Chase – which Walsh presents – was named Best Quiz Show at the viewer-voted awards, and the Chasers made their way up on stage to retrieve the silverware, their host was with them. And we don't just mean in spirit... After Chaser Anne Hegerty told the audience she "hadn't been this happy since leaving I'm a Celebrity" – Walsh was produced... on FaceTime. View oEmbed on the source website That's right, the 20,000 people in the audience – and millions of viewers back home – were reduced to squinting as the actor and presenter appeared on an iPhone screen, beamed in live from South Africa. Emotional Ant dedicates NTA for Best TV Presenter to Dec after 18th consecutive win He dressed for the occasion in a blue checked shirt and was grinning from ear to ear – but if anyone was hoping to hear his reaction to the show's win, they were sorely disappointed. It turns out an iPhone microphone doesn't really compete with the acoustics of the O2 arena. View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Walsh and his Doctor Who co-stars Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole all skipped the NTA ceremony after catching a flight to South Africa earlier this month where filming has begun on the new series. The quartet are all returning for the new episodes but fans will have to wait a while to see them – Doctor Who isn't due back on air until 2020.
John Barrowman was a very popular NTAS 'replacement' for Dermot O'Leary
Dermot was running a bit 'late' – so Mr Barrowman stepped in...
As the curtain lifted on the 2019 National Television Awards, it was not Dermot O'Leary who leapt on stage to kick off proceedings – but John Barrowman. The I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here finalist took to the stage as Dermot was running a bit 'late', giving the Torchwood actor the opportunity to showcase his singing and tap-dancing skills, much to the delight of the audience at London's O2. National Television Awards 2019: winners in full View oEmbed on the source website Barrowman really put on a show, regaling the crowd with some TV-based lyrics and stellar jazz hands. And it was only at the very end of the number that a grouchy Dermot appeared to wrestle back his hosting job, quipping it was "one of only two shows on ITV not hosted by Holly Willoughby". Suffice to say, Barrowman was a popular choice... View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website And viewers were delighted to see the I'm a Celeb contestant back on screens: View oEmbed on the source website And there was one word for Mr Barrowman: in the words of Craig Revel-Horwood... "fab-u-lous". View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website
This is why Ant and Dec will not attend the National Television Awards
The presenting duo will not be there to collect the prize for Best TV Presenter should they win it for the 18th consecutive time
The National Television Awards will be missing two famous faces this year, as double act Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will not be attending the 2019 ceremony. The presenting duo, who have been nominated for Best TV Presenter for the 18th year in a row, are instead filming the audition stages for the latest series of Britain’s Got Talent. Emotional Ant dedicates NTA for Best TV Presenter to Dec after 18th consecutive win However, their nomination as a double act for the award is a contentious one, due to McPartlin’s absence from television from the bulk of 2018. View oEmbed on the source website The 43-year-old decided to take a step back from his presenting duties after he plead guilty to drink-driving offences in April last year, with Donnelly having to present the remaining episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent's live shows by himself. He was then joined by This Morning host Holly Willoughby for the latest series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! However, Ant is still hopeful that the public have voted for the pair, as he believes presenting partner Dec deserves it. National Television Awards: winners in full “He’s worked his socks off this year,” Ant said. “It's an accolade to how hard he's worked in tough circumstances. How good a friend he's been to me. How much of a professional he is.” View oEmbed on the source website He added to The Sun, “If we do win – and I hope people still vote – then Dec deserves it. “Dec will have to take most of it and I'll take a tiny bit for my few shows last year.” How to watch the National Television Awards on TV Ant and Dec face stiff competition in the category, with the popular pair up against Bradley Walsh, Graham Norton, Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby for the gong. But they do have history on their side, with 17 consecutive trophies on their mantlepieces. The National Television airs tonight at 7:30pm on ITV Sign up to the RadioTimes.com email newsletter
EastEnders star Ricky Champ on Stuart's future - "Redemption is in sight"
The NTA nominee reveals he's had some BIG chats with show boss Kate Oates…
Since his arrival in May 2018, sinister Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ) has made a huge impact on EastEnders. Introduced as the childhood friend of Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) and big brother of Callum 'Halfway' Highway (Tony Clay), the character's complex backstory slowly unpeeled to reveal a damaged, dangerous man bearing a lifetime of grudges that culminated in him framing Mick for his attempted murder - when in fact he had purposely shot himself to put the landlord in prison. View oEmbed on the source website Mick's wife Linda (Kellie Bright) risked everything by trapping Stuart into a confession, and once the king of the Queen Vic was released they expected their enemy to be driven out. But Stu is still on the Square and has a surprising new ally in the form of Dot Branning (June Brown), taking advantage of her charitable nature by convincing her to take him in. With Dr Harold Legg (Leonard Fenton) warning his old friend Stuart is not to be trusted, fans are wondering what the horrid Mr Highway's next move will be… National Television Awards 2019 - everything you need to know Is Hayley Slater dead after EastEnders booze bender? EastEnders mystery - Alfie disappears! Is he dead? Champ's edgy, compelling performance has seen him shortlisted as Best Newcomer in the National Television Awards 2019, the results of which are announced live on ITV on Tuesday 22 January. RadioTimes.com spoke to former Game of Thrones and Him and Her star Champ ahead of the big night to find out what the future holds for the Walford bad boy. Were you nervous working with the legendary June Brown and Leonard Fenton? Ultimately I felt very lucky. They are both so beautiful and bring an incredible amount of experience to the table. I grew up watching these household names, Leonard is a beautiful actor and I was so moved by his performance. We have a proper arc in the storyline to play which I really enjoyed. Is Dr Legg right to be scared of Stuart? Dr Legg has been around the block and I imagine is quite a good judge of people. At the moment Stuart is very damaged and needs sanctuary, which he has found at Dot’s, but Dr Legg has come in and ruined the nice equilibrium Stuart and Dot have got. Instantly there is a little bit of animosity there, though it's nothing like the evil and villainy we’ve seen from Stuart before. I’m looking forward to everyone seeing where its going to go. All I will say is that what lies in store in the coming weeks is a real turning point for Stuart. Is he taking advantage of Dot’s good nature? Initially he saw an opening and manipulated her to get his feet under the table because he had nowhere to go. He was desperate and used her as a human shield after everything that happened with the Carters, which is why he took her into the Vic with him on Christmas Day as a barrier from Mick! But during this desperation, maybe his ulterior motive might diminish. Maybe just seeking sanctuary will become something else… Can Stuart ever be rehabilitated as a character? In terms of building bridges with the Carters, I think that would have to be a very long bridge! A lot of stuff has happened. Rehabilitation and redemption might be very far away but is perhaps still in sight. We get to explore his history soon which will go a long way into explaining some of his actions, if not forgiving them. I think that could inspire empathy and maybe even some sympathy. Stuart has hurt a lot of people, including himself. I'd love for Faye Daveney, who played Stuart's daughter Zara, to come back to explore that relationship a bit more. Do you know what the show's new boss Kate Oates has planned for Stuart? Me and Kate have spoken a lot about this. As soon as she came in she gave me her number and said I could call her whenever I wanted to discuss anything. Just recently I was reading ahead and noticed a change so I called her straight away to tell her I really liked where this is going. We spoke about the future… I’m not going to tell you what we said, but it’s really brilliant! How does it feel to be shortlisted as Best Newcomer when you've been in the industry for a while? I think it refers more specifically to being a newcomer to soap. It's a relative term and I don't mind it at all. Working with June and Leonard I felt like a newcomer to life in general! What's your feeling about awards in general? It puts it out there for the public to have their say, doesn’t it? Which is important for a show like EastEnders. The one thing you miss as an actor doing TV as opposed to theatre is the applause, the instant payoff. It's really beautiful for me to see the public like Stuart and I'm humbled to have made the shortlist. Can you pick a highlight from the last 12 months? It’s hard to pick one aspect. I’m so proud of the stuff I’ve done with Danny, its been a real journey and I love working with him. The same goes for Kellie Bright and Luisa Bradshaw-White (Tina), but the two-hander with Stuart and Linda sticks out as one of my best achievements as an actor. Half an hour of primetime TV with just you and one other actor carrying it - it was overwhelming, exhausting and beautiful. Two-handers don’t come along very often and I was instantly very thankful for that gift. Not many people get trusted with them. I’ve been spoilt in my first year here, Stuart is a great character and I hope I can keep doing it justice. Are you nervous about the night itself? No, I’d be happy for whoever won it. I met James Moore from Emmerdale recently, a wonderful young actor. Aedan Duckworth has come in and made an impact on Hollyoaks, he’d be a deserving winner. I’m not overly fazed, it would be beautiful if I could take it home but I’d be really pleased for whoever gets it. Who at EastEnders deserves an NTA? There’s an army of people who go into making this show. You think of one scene, as well as the actors that scene needs to be filmed, the sound recorded, lit, dressed, actors made up, continuity, directors… It is one thing after another, all of these things work together to make it look seamless. We shoot two hours of finished footage every week, that’s a feature film! It's astonishing. There’s a lot of people who deserve NTAs here! The National Television Awards 2019 air live on ITV on Tuesday 22 January – you can vote here. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
Buster GUILTY in Hollyoaks trial verdict - Aedan Duckworth on what's next for Ollie
"It's a massive relief for Ollie - his nightmare has gone" reveals NTA nominee
Hollyoaks' Buster Smith (Nathan Sussex) has been found guilty of child sexual abuse and faces a six year prison sentence as trial week reached an emotional conclusion on Thursday 10 January. E4's latest episode brought the dramatic case to a close after Imran Maalik (Ijaz Rana) came forward with a last-minute confession the predatory sports coach had abused him as well as best friend Ollie Morgan (Aedan Duckworth) meaning there was enough to convict Buster for his sick crimes. The hard-hitting storyline was inspired by the real life case of football coach Barry Bennell who was jailed in 2018 for 50 counts of child sexual abuse. Duckworth's impressive performance as Ollie has rightly earned him a place on the 2019 National Television Awards shortlist for Best Newcomer - RadioTimes.com spoke to the young actor for an immediate reaction to Buster's verdict, what the future holds for his character, and possible NTA glory on 22 January… View oEmbed on the source website Ollie and Luke testify against Buster as Hollyoaks trial continues Breda catches Louis trying to escape – is he the Hollyoaks killer’s next victim? Have you known the outcome of the trial all along? I only found out when we got given the scripts for trial week. It helped keeping it unknown because that’s how Ollie is feeling, up until the verdict is announced he doesn’t have a clue how it will go which is why he panicked so much at the start of the week. Were you nervous tackling such big episodes? With this storyline there's always extra nerves because of the responsibility. People have come forward about being abused because of it, so there's pressure that you want to do it justice. I suppose I was a bit more nervous for that reason. It was very intense and also my first proper week on location. Who was your biggest support during filming? The whole team, from the director giving as much time as I needed to prepare, to the cast discussing scenes and trying to have a laugh during lunch - everyone helps you and it's a great environment to work in. How did you prepare in terms of research? We'd already had a lot of research sessions but there was a lot more looking into specific details for this week. Adam (Woodward, aka Brody Hudson), Nathan (Sussex, who plays Buster) and I discussed things like whether or not Ollie should look at Buster in court. We decided Ollie would probably stay clear of making eye contact but Brody would look at him, whenever Ollie did look at Buster it was very carefully planned. It was good to go into that amount of depth. What was the most memorable scene of the week for you? There are two that stand out: when Ollie's dad Luke was dragged out of court that made me crumble inside. There are so many mixed emotions for Ollie, he wants his dad to do this for him but he gets emotional and carried away. It's hard to talk about the time Ollie told him about the abuse but Luke forgot because he was drunk - it was a very powerful scene. Secondly, Brody's big scene on the stand - Adam is awesome. What impact will the guilty verdict have on Ollie? His nightmare has gone. Obviously it will still haunt him, as it has Brody, but it’s a definite full stop and a massive relief. We'll see him continue to cope and recover. The storyline has seen a spike in people having the confidence to come forward to survivor organisations when scenes like this air, so the more of that the better now the verdict has been on. That’s what we do it for. Can Ollie rebuild his relationship with his dad once Luke gets out of prison? It could either go really well because Ollie has missed him so much, or really badly if Luke starts drinking again. That's what great about their dynamic, there are so many different outcomes. Ollie loves his dad and initially be very happy to see him, I'm praying Luke doesn't muck it up! Personally I cannot wait for Gary Lucy to return full-time. How does it feel to have made the NTA shortlist? I'm in shock! It's nice to have recognition for your work but I'm a bit scared to be honest, I don't know what to expect from the night. If I win the nerves of having to do a speech are going to kill me! Who at Hollyoaks deserves an NTA? There are so many amazing actors I get to work with, but it's between Gary and Adam. The amount of effort they put in, especially for trial week, blows you away and it and it shows on screen. I'm still trying to find my feet and they have become my mentors, and so many of the cast have helped me massively like Ashley Taylor Dawson, Jacob Robert, Sarah Jayne Dunn. They've taught me so many things. The National Television Awards 2019 air live on ITV on Tuesday 22 January - you can vote here. Visit our dedicated Hollyoaks page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.