Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have reflected on their “inspirational” drag performance after winning the BAFTA TV award for best entertainment programme.
Ant, 46, made the stunning transformation into Lady Antoinette to give a “mind-blowing” performance on their ITV show Saturday Night Takeaway in February.
Joined by co-host Dec, 46, who became Miss Donna Lee, the pair were unrecognisable in huge wigs, fake tan and masses of make-up.
Speaking after receiving their BAFTA TV award, Dec, 46, said the pair were “moved by how inspirational people found it”.
He said: “When we had the idea of doing the drag act, we wanted to do it properly, and we wanted to do it right, and we want to be respectful of the artform.
“We didn’t want it to look silly, and that we slap on a bit of lipstick and eyeshadow and then walk out in wonky heels.
“We were like, if we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it properly because it is a real art form and it’s a respected art form.”
He added: “But then we got a lot of messages from people saying how inspirational they found it and how it had given people the courage to be themselves and that was something we hadn’t really catered for.
“We hadn’t really thought that would be the case. So it was mind-blowing and surprising, but it was quite moving as well and I’m proud and happy that people got so much out of it.”
But ITV was hit with several Ofcom complaints after Saturday Night Takeaway kicked off its latest season with the Geordie duo’s drag alter-egos shimmying across the stage.
However, a number of viewers were unimpressed with the performance and registered an official complaint with broadcasting regulator Ofcom.
Of the total 71 complaints made during the Saturday Night Live show, 59 were in relation to the jaw-dropping drag routine.
As the Geordie duo won the coveted BAFTA award on Sunday, Ant sweetly shared a kiss with wife Anne-Marie Corbett in the audience before walking on stage to collect the award.
Ant, who married Anne-Marie in 2021, admitted alongside his I'm A Celebrity host that the pair were surprised to win the gong for another year running.
Ant and Dec were up against An Audience with Adele, Life & Rhymes and Strictly Come Dancing in the category.
Speaking after their win, Ant said on stage: “Thank you, thanks very much. What a great start to the night!” while Dec added: “Wow!"
He continued: "What a thrill, we were convinced we weren't going to get it this year so we just came for a bit of a party, so this is wonderful!"
To which co-host Stephen Mulhern hilariously joined in with: "Thank you, guys!" as Ant replied: "We'll get to you, we'll get to you!"
Dec added: "This is a really wonderful cherry on the cake!"
