NTAs 2021: Kate Garraway breaks down in tears as she accepts Authored Documentary award

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Kate Garraway delivered an emotional speech as she picked up the National Television Award for Authored Documentary on Thursday night at the O2 Arena in London for Finding Derek – her televised account of her husband Derek Draper’s ongoing battle against COVID-19.

Beating the likes of Katie Price: Harvey And Me and Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain’s Children, Kate looked overwhelmed as she was announced as the victor, slowly making her way to the stage to accept the gong.

Kate, 54, took a moment to compose herself before taking to the mic to thank voters. She said: ‘Thank you so much for voting. I wonder if the reason you did this is because our story is your story.

‘I think we’ve all been touched by the pandemic, whether it’s livelihoods or mental health. All the other extraordinary documentaries that have been highlighted this evening have also been affected by the pandemic.

‘I just want to say to all the Darcys and Billies and Dereks and Derek’s family that whatever you’re going through and however you’re affected – you’re not forgotten.

‘We want the joy back, we want it to be over but if you’re still living with the scars the fight goes on.

‘But most important of all, Derek – you should be here and he should have had the chance to tell his own story! Derek you’re going to get the chance, I believe, the hope is real! Thank you so much!’

She told press in the Winner’s Room after the show: ‘Congratulations to the team who made it together. It’s there’s really.

‘I wasn’t sure if I was going to come tonight. I’m extraordinarily proud of it but it felt like a strange time to leave the family; but even on the way in here, a woman called Angela and her son Jack said “I lost my husband and the documentary helped”. The reaction was extraordinary…’

Kate found herself on the brink of tears again, before adding: ‘They voted because it was their story. We’ve all been touched by the pandemic. Derek is going to know about this award tonight. I need to phone home. The kids are in the room with Derek. We have a weird contraption at home and they’re watching the whole thing. The award goes to Derek and our kids.’

She went on: ‘Cameras are coming back – there are a lot of challenges now. We all know social care has been in the headlines. Lots of people need support with health and social care.’

On how she looks after herself, she said: ‘I’ve got the GMB team and Smooth Radio. They let me put on an extra long song when I call home. The children are brilliant and you live your life and the joy you see around you. People have been very kind.’ 

Line Of Duty won its first NTA on Thursday night, at London‘s O2 Arena – and all eyes were on actor Tommy Jessop who played Terry Boyle in series five and six.

While the cast and crew took to the stage to accept the gong, Tommy, 36, sashayed his way up the steps, showing off some moves, with the crowd going wild for it.

Once on stage, Tommy continued to dance, swinging his hips and striking a muscle man pose on the ground, as the rest of the cast and crew watched on delightedly.

Star Martin Compston said in the winner’s room afterwards: ‘Thank You to everyone who voted for us. Tommy was fantastic. I think he’s going to take the award!’

He added, of the potential return of the series: ‘People ask me every two mins if there will be another season. These people love what we do so I never take it for granted.

‘It means it’s going well. It means people are so invested and the fact the audience keeps getting bigger over 10 years so who knows?’

Comedian Joel Dommett kicked off the 2021 ceremony, celebrating the return of live in-person shows amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sure to launch the show on a light-hearted yet poignant note, Joel, 36, quipped: ‘It’s been a great year for soaps thanks to all the hand-washing!’

The broadcast kicked off with a VT of Joel frantically trying to find someone to open the show, with the likes of Simon Cowell, Oti Mabuse, Ant & Dec, Holly Willoughby and Mo Gilligan joining in for the skit. 

The task ended up being taken on by singer HRVY, who was joined on stage with characters from The Masked Dancer and his former Strictly Come Dancing pro Janette Manrara.

Joel also joked in his speech at he had to stay two metres away from Ant & Dec (‘not because of the pandemic, because they’ve asked me to’) and referenced the awkwardness of watching racy drama Bridgerton with his mother.

He then joked that he wouldn’t be making a gag about Ricky Gervais, who was in the audience, because ‘he’s my idol and I’m scared of him’.

Ricky was soon on the stage, accepting the award for his Netflix show After Life, which won the Comedy prize.

‘I’m really surprised by this – I thought it’s not my demographic this show. It’s lovely thank you,’ he said afterwards. ‘This made the two hour car journey here worth it! The cast are great but I take all the credit!’

He updated those eager to know about the third series, saying: ‘Season three will be as close to Christmas as we can. It’s the best one yet. It’s nearly finished. Very pleased with it. We did it through Covid so was a double pleasure.’

He quipped: ‘The dog does not die, everyone else does!’

He went on: ‘I’m still surprised how well the show does around the world. It’s a show about a guy who kills himself because his wife died from cancer. People who are grieving approach me on the street and say how much the show helped them.’

This year, more streamed shows have been nominated than ever before, with Netflix period romp Bridgerton and making the Best New Drama list while After Life and Sex Education scored slots on the Comedy list.

It’s a Sin, Des and Normal People joined Bridgerton on the New Drama short-list while Line of Duty, The Crown, Call the Midwife and Unforgotten made up the Returning Drama category.

The Drama Performance category sees Line of Duty stars Adrian Dunbar, Martin Compston and Vicky McClure in contention for the prize, alongside Olly Alexander for It’s a Sin and David Tennant for Des.

The NTAs have also announced a brand new category, Authored Documentary, which sees Kate Garraway’s moving feature, Kate Garraway: Finding Derek nominated for its warts-and-all account of her husband Derek Draper’s coronavirus battle.

Finding Derek has been short-listed alongside Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain’s Children, Katie Price: Harvey and Me, Rob Burrow: My Year with MND and Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency.

Elsewhere, The Masked Singer has been nominated for its first NTA, with the madcap singing competition facing a battle with I’m A Celebrity… Get me Out of Here!, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Strictly Come Dancing for the Talent Show award.

Soaps Emmerdale, Coronation Street, EastEnders and Hollyoaks are up for Best Serial Drama.

Ant and Dec bagged their 20th award nomination in a row for TV Presenter, with Piers Morgan and This Morning’s Holly Willoughby and Alison Hammond also in contention as well as Bradley Walsh.

A quartet of stand-out actors are up for Serial Drama Performance, including Coronation Street’s Mollie Gallagher and Sally Carman and EastEnders’ Danny Dyer not to mention Hollyoaks’ Billy Price.

New host Joel recently admitted he is ‘honoured’ to have been selected to front the spectacle.

He said in a statement: ‘It’s a huge honour to be hosting the NTAs this year! It still feels like someone has made a wonderful error.

‘I really, really love TV and can’t wait to celebrate the best stuff from what’s been a very weird year or so.’

The comedian also joked he is hoping The Masked Singer will be successful on the night so he can present himself with a prize.

He quipped: ‘I’m also really hoping The Masked Singer wins something so I can present an award to myself. That’s a creative narcissist’s dream.’

NTA’s Executive Producer Kim Turberville added: ‘We are so excited to be back to celebrate a remarkable TV year like no other. There is a wealth of great television to recognise and we are delighted to have Joel at the helm. 

‘With his wit and natural charisma, he’ll definitely be bringing a fresh approach to this year’s awards.’

Earlier this year, it was announced the NTAs, which usually takes place in January, had been rescheduled for September 9, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kim said at the time: ‘The NTAs will return to The O2 London in September to mark the UK’s best, boldest and most beloved TV shows with a surprise-packed event – and we look forward to seeing you on the night for a celebration like no other.’