Dermot O’Leary has quit as NTAs host after 10 years… after saying he ‘would throw in the towel’ if Ant and Dec won a controversial 18th gong last month.
The duo had playfully wished him a ‘happy retirement’ after accepting their Best Presenters award despite Ant not working for a year, amid his personal problems.
In a statement, he wrote: ‘After 10 years of proudly hosting the National Television Awards, I have decided it’s time to step down as host. It’s been a tough decision because we have had a ball over the last decade, but 10 years feels about right.
‘I would like to thank Indigo and my ITV family for a brilliant ten years and look forward to proudly passing on the baton in 2020…and a holiday in January!’
As well as his comment aimed at Ant and Dec, Dermot also took a playful dig at fellow presenter Holly Willoughby on a night littered with on-air blunders
The host, who could frequently be heard talking to guests off-mic during awards announcements at the annual event, referenced Willoughby’s increasing popularity as the live show commenced at London’s O2 Arena.
Taking to the stage at the time after a short Bodyguard inspired skit with actor Richard Madden, O’Leary quipped the event was ‘one of the few shows on ITV not hosted by Holly Willoughby.’