After facing some delays, the awards will be going ahead this week.

By Helen Daly

Published: Wednesday, 08 September 2021 at 12:00 am


It may have faced a couple of pushbacks over the course of the year, but the National Television Awards is finally set to air this week, with The Masked Singer‘s Joel Dommett hosting the ceremony for the very first time.

Airing live on ITV this Thursday, the NTAs were initially due to take place in January, however due to COVID-19, the ceremony was delayed twice until a September date was eventually set.

Now the biggest UK stars will walk the red carpet in the hopes of taking home a coveted NTA gong and after a hugely exciting year of TV that’s seen the return of Line of Duty, Call The MidwifeThe Crown and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, the competition couldn’t be tougher.

Voting is still open so if you haven’t voted for your favourite shows yet, head over the NTA website and have your say before ceremony, which will see the iconic JLS reunite for a performance of their brand new single.

Read on for everything you need to know about the National Television Awards 2021 – and how you can still buy tickets to watch it live.

When is the National Television Awards 2021?

The National Television Awards 2021 are set to take place on Thursday 9th September 2021 at The O2 in London.

Earlier this year, the ceremony was delayed for a second time, having been pushed back from its usual January slot to April before being postponed once again.

RadioTimes.com understands this was a precautionary measure on account of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing rules.

However, in light of surging COVID-19 cases caused in part by a new strain of the virus and the current nationwide lockdown which has no certain end date, a second delay was deemed necessary.

Executive Producer Kim Turberville said: “The NTAs will return to The O2 London in September to mark the UK’s best, boldest and most beloved TV shows with a surprise-packed event – and we look forward to seeing you on the night for a celebration like no other.”

How to watch the National Television Awards 2021

Those unsuccessful in getting tickets for this year’s event will be able to watch all the action from home, as the show will be airing live on ITV on Thursday 9th September at 7:30pm.

Expected to last two and a half hours, this year’s awards will see Britain’s best-loved stars celebrate an exciting year in TV.

National Television Awards 2021 host

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ITV

Joel Dommett will be hosting this year’s National Television Awards, with the 2021 ceremony marking the Masked Singer presenter’s first time fronting the show.

“It’s a huge honour to be hosting the NTAs this year! It still feels like someone has made a wonderful error. I really, really love TV and can’t wait to celebrate the best stuff from what’s been a very weird year or so,” Dommett said in a statement in May.

“I’m also really hoping The Masked Singer wins something so I can present an award to myself. That’s a creative narcissist’s DREAM!”

In previous years, the NTAs has been hosted by the likes of Eamonn Holmes, Trevor McDonald, Dermot O’Leary and David Walliams.

National Television Awards 2021 nominees

The shortlist of nominees for the National Television Awards 2021 was announced last month, with Line of DutyCall The MidwifeThe Crown and Unforgotten all receiving nominations.

Ant and Dec are up for Most Popular TV Presenter once again and if they win, this would mark the 20th time they’ve received the award, while all three of the Line of Duty trio – Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar – have been nominated for Drama Performance.

Voting is still open so make sure to head to the NTA website to have your say now. The results will be revealed live at the awards on Thursday night.

Who’ll be performing at the National Television Awards 2021

"JLS"
Getty

Get ready to put your hands up – JLS is set to perform live at the National Television Awards.

The boyband are reuniting to perform some of their classic hits and brand new single Eternal Love, written by Ed Sheeran.

How can I get tickets for the National Television Awards 2021?

Lucky you: there’s still some tickets available for the ceremony next year. You can find all of the different ticket options on their official website.

You can get a seat in the ceremony for £23.50 plus booking fees.

If you fancy a spot on the red carpet where you can see all the stars arriving, you can get a ticket for £120 plus a £10 booking fee and a £2 venue facility fee.

And if you really want to make a night of it, you can get the Five Star Experience which includes: red carpet arrival, 5 star hotel, pre-show guided backstage tour, premium seats right at the front and more. But they don’t come cheap, priced at £895 plus £30 booking fee and £2 venue facility fee.

There’s also the Premium Star Treatment which is £350 plus £20 booking fee and £2 venue facility fee – that will get you early access to the champagne reception, beauty treatments and more, plus premium seats in rows C or D and a souvenir picture where you hold one of the NTAs which will be awarded that night.

Finally, there’s the Star Treatment package, which will get you into the champagne reception, some pre-show pampering, premium seats, exclusive NTA goodie bags for him and her and much more. They’re £250 plus £15 booking fee and £2 venue facility fee.

If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide.