Alan Sugar Slams ITV Over Allegations of ‘Fixed’ NTAs Win

Updated on: October 10, 2024 4:25 pm GMT

Lord Sugar Slams National Television Awards After Controversial Wins

In a dramatic twist to the National Television Awards (NTAs) held on Wednesday night, Lord Alan Sugar, star of BBC’s “The Apprentice”, has unleashed a scathing critique of the award ceremony. The 77-year-old billionaire and television personality voiced his disappointment on social media over the results, particularly targeting the successes of ITV stars, including Kate Garraway and the ever-popular duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

The Awards Ceremony: A Night of Winners

The glamorous event, hosted by comedian Joel Dommett, showcased a star-studded lineup of nominees and winners, with many in the audience eagerly anticipating their moment in the spotlight. This year’s ceremony saw Garraway take home the award for Best Authored Documentary for her poignant work titled “Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story”, which highlights her late husband Derek Draper’s struggle with the long-term effects of COVID-19. Meanwhile, Ant and Dec celebrated a historic 23rd win for Best Presenter and their show “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” clinched The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award.

Lord Sugar’s Outrage: Accusations of a “Fix”

In a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sugar made his feelings clear, suggesting that the awards were not fairly distributed. He lamented, “Surprise surprise Ant and Dec win an award at the NTA. DONALD TRUMP would say it’s a fix.” He further noted that the NTAs appeared biased, stating, “Another ITV award to one of their employees,” in reference to Garraway’s win, insinuating that the results were influenced by the network’s connection with the winners.

The Reaction on Social Media

While many celebrated the awards as a true reflection of viewer preference, Sugar’s comments stirred debate. Followers began to challenge him, pointing out that the NTAs are voted on by the public. One user replied, “I hate to tell you this Sugar old boy but these awards are voted for by the viewers, not ITV or BBC.” Sugar responded dismissively, alleging that “there are ways to fiddle votes.”

The Controversy Surrounding ITV Shows

Sugar didn’t limit his criticisms to Garraway’s victory; he also berated other award winners from ITV, including the quiz show “The Chase”, which won Best Daytime Show. He stated, “The Chase another ITV show. Who counts the votes? Coincidence?” echoing his feelings of doubt regarding the integrity of the awards process.

Comparisons with the Apprentice’s Record

Sugar expressed frustration that “The Apprentice” has never won an NTA award despite having been successful at other prestigious competitions. He tweeted, “Actually, for the record, The Apprentice has won every other TV award except NTA. COINCIDENCE!” This fixation on the awards seemed to magnify his discontent with ITV’s dominance at the ceremony.

Highlights of the 2024 NTAs

The 2024 NTAs not only showcased individual winners but also highlighted various shows that resonated well with audiences. Alongside Garraway and Ant & Dec, other notable awards went to:

• Best Reality Competition: “The Traitors” (defeating “The Apprentice”)
• Best Entertainment Show: “Strictly Come Dancing”
• Best Daytime Show: “The Chase”

Kate Garraway, upon receiving her award, delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about caring for individuals in need. With her children by her side, she stated, “This one is for all those people who care. We need a system that catches us when we fall, not catches us out.”

Reflection on the NTAs: Fair or Fixed?

As the dust settles from the NTAs, the question remains: are the awards a fair representation of viewer preferences, or do they favor certain networks? While some industry insiders agree with Sugar’s sentiments, many believe that the public has spoken through their votes.

In recent months, the relationship between TV networks and their programming has come under scrutiny, with viewers discussing perceived biases in award wins across various platforms. This atmosphere likely inflates discussions around credibility in award ceremonies.

Final Thoughts on Sugar’s Rant

Lord Sugar’s fiery comments add to the ongoing conversation about the integrity of television awards. His bold proclamations invite both criticism and support, showcasing the passionate nature of fandoms and industry stakeholders. The NTAs may have concluded, but the debate surrounding them is sure to carry on, particularly in light of the evolving landscape of television and its recognition.

As fans keep watching their favorite shows and stars, we can’t help but wonder how award shows will change to stay respected. Will events like the NTAs make sure everyone is treated fairly, or will they keep facing arguments and drama? We’ll just have to wait and see!