Dermot O’Leary has hit back at news reports claiming he ‘raged’ at Ant and Dec.
A newspaper front page had accused Dermot of ‘hitting out’ at the Geordie duo over the National Television Awards.
Ant and Dec have been nominated for the award, which they have won for the past 17 years, once more in 2019.
However the nomination has been controversial given Ant wasn’t on TV for much of last year. He stepped down from his commitments half way through Saturday Night Takeaway, missing the final episodes of that series, the Britain’s Got Talent live shows and all of I’m A Celebrity.
The Daily Star newspaper had quoted Dermot as saying about the situation: “If Ant and Dec win it this year, we should just not do it anymore If they win it, we may as well just chuck in the towel.
“With the greatest respect to the boys, I think Holly has had such a great year, and Graham.”
Dermot responded to the article on Twitter, claiming his remarks were tongue in cheek.
He also went on to slam the tabloid for making the comments their top story in the wake of Britain’s Brexit vote.
“I wouldn’t normally react to this, but… A) I said no such thing. I merely joked that if the boys win this year, we should all chuck in the towel. It was neither serious nor a ‘rage.’!” he posted on social media.
Dermot added: “And… B) If you think on the day after one of the most important votes in parliamentary history, this warrants front page news- then someone really does need to consider their future in journalism. Other than that, you have yourselves a good morning all!”
Dermot will be hosting the National Television Awards from The O2 London on 22nd January. The ceremony will air live on ITV. You can see all the 2019 NTA nominations here.
