The National Television Awards took place last night and left many viewers outraged after it was announced that Strictly Come Dancing had been voted the Best Talent Show – despite the ongoing probe into professional dancers’ behaviour.
The investigation from the BBC was first ignited when Amanda Abbington claimed that Giovanni Pernice had “bullied” and “abused” her during their time together – something which Pernice has vehemently denied.
It was followed by Graziano Di Prima being axed from the show and admitting that he kicked his former Love Island partner, Zara McDermott, during their training.
During the award show last night, Sam Thompson and upcoming Strictly star Pete Wicks announced that the show had won the coveted award for the ninth year in a row.
The Voice UK, Great British Bake Off, Britain’s Got Talent and Master Chef UK were up against the dancing competition which has been part of the BBC since 2004.
As the show was announced, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman – along with a number of excited professional dancers – jumped out of their seats and made their way to the stage.
“This is brilliant,” Daly said accepting the award before Winkleman added: “Well we’ve got the most extraordinarily amazing team, it means everything from our dancers to our celebrities who take part to this creature, who I birthed, to everybody who takes part, we absolutely love the show.
“Anyway, we’re very taken aback and grateful.”
Head judge Shirley Ballas said: “I’m absolutely, totally honoured to be part of Strictly’s 20th year because it’s a show that brings families together. I think it’s a staple in people’s homes.”
When asked if the cast takes it for granted how much the show is loved by the public, Anton Du Beke explained: “Absolutely not. We do it for the audience, we all believe it’s the audience show because the audience has such a huge part in the show, being the extra judge.
“Without them, the show wouldn’t be as fabulous as it is, so we owe it all to the audience in many ways.”
However, whilst the team were elated with their win, many of those watching from home were left outraged that people were still voting despite the ongoing allegations.
Taking to social media, one slammed: “An hour behind on the #NTAs and how awkward was it getting Sam Thompson to present #Strictly with their award after his girlfriend Zara’s revelations.”
Another added: “Isn’t it kind of weird that Sam Thompson presented an award to Strictly Come Dancing, the same show his girlfriend Zara McDermott claims she was abused while competing on?”
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“Wow. #Strictly winning despite recent headlines and controversy says a lot about the love people still have for the show. Doesn’t look like this series is going to suffer much in the ratings,” a third added.
“All the controversy around Strictly, they don’t deserve the award,” someone else slammed before a fifth expressed: “Considering Strictly is one more whistleblower away from being cancelled and having an ITV 3-part drama made about it, I feel this is a little awkward.”
A sixth annoyed viewer penned: “If this morning can’t win because of Phillip why is strictly winning because of the abuse scandals and all weird that.” (sic)
