Alison Hammond joked she sent Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly coronavirus ‘in the post’ on Thursday after the pair tested positive for the virus and pulled out of the National Television Awards.
Alison is up for the Best Presenter NTA alongside the Geordie duo, who have taken the gong home for years.
However, the I’m a Celebrity pair took to Twitter to confirm they will not be at the London ceremony, which will be live on ITV from Wembley Arena after being postponed following the death of the Queen.
The fan favourites joked: “Sadly it's true... we even get ill together! After feeling unwell a few days ago we both tested and we’re positive for Covid.
“We’re resting up at home and are so sorry we can’t be at NTAs 2022. Best of luck everyone and get well soon to anyone else in the same boat x.”
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The duo have won the best TV presenter prize for the past 20 years, and could now scoop their 21st consecutive award – unless Alison Hammond, Graham Norton or Bradley Walsh can beat them.
This Morning ’s underdog Alison appeared on the ITV daytime programme ahead of the big night to reflect on her decades-spanning career after shooting to fame on Big Brother.
Introducing the Birmingham star, host Phillip Schofield asked viewers of Ant and Dec: “Could she take their crown? They’ve both got Covid. They’re not there.”
Co-host Holly Willoughby then jokingly asked: “Did you give them Covid?,” to which a laughing Alison said: “I did. I sent it through the post.”
Alison went on to speak about her ‘imposter syndrome’ over the nomination, saying: “It’s just so weird. I’m seeing it from the outside and thinking, ‘Is this really real?’
“I’ve been to that awards ceremony so many times and I’m alright with sitting in the background and other people taking the limelight.”
She continued: “It’s lovely just to be nominated – I know everyone says it, but honestly, it’s just such a moment. A defining moment.
“I feel like I’m standing on the shoulders of giants in a way. So many people didn’t have the chance to get into that category.
“You guys who voted pushed me through to get into that category. It feels so weird. Graham Norton, Bradley Walsh, our Geordie duo, who are just incredible, and I’m sitting with them.
“It’s just so bizarre and I’m just so grateful for this moment. I don’t care what else happens. We’re going to have a great night tonight.”
Alison said initially joked she has a ‘seven page’ speech prepared, but then said in reality if she does scoop the gong, she will ‘just go with the moment’.
She said: “I think if you start planning, you think you’re going to win. Obviously I would love to win.
“It would mean so much to me and my family. I think it would mean so much to normal people.
“I’m this girl off a council estate in Birmingham doing this. I’ve worked really really hard. I think I'm doing it for the everyday people who thought they weren’t good enough.
“If I win, we all win. I feel like I’ve won already to be in that category. It’s a nice feeling to be seen and to be listened to.”
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