Emotional Ant dedicates NTA for Best TV Presenter to Dec after 18th consecutive win

But that hasn't stopped viewers voting in their droves to name the pair Best Entertainment Presenters at the National Television Awards for the 18th consecutive year.

• National Television Awards: full list of winners

The pair had been nominated alongside Bradley Walsh, Graham Norton, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, and many had wondered whether 2019 might be the year to end their winning streak.

But when their names were called, a visibly emotional Ant told the NTA audience via video link: "This is a genuine shock, especially this year. I'm shaking.

"I really don't feel like I can accept this award this year. The one reason we won this award this year is because of this guy," he added, indicating Dec. "His hard work, dedication, funniness – and being the best mate there is out there."

Dec – who was appearing alongside Ant via link from the Britain's Got Talent auditions – added: "I've got him back now and now we're back together. This year, probably more than ever, thank you to all of you who picked up the phone and voted for us."

• This is why Ant and Dec chose not to attend the National Television Awards

Ant had previously discussed the possibility of winning the category, explaining his presenting partner Dec deserved the prize.

“He’s worked his socks off this year. It’s an accolade to how hard he’s worked in tough circumstances. How good a friend he’s been to me. How much of a professional he is.”

He added to The Sun, “If we do win – and I hope people still vote – then Dec deserves it.

“Dec will have to take most of it and I’ll take a tiny bit for my few shows last year.”

The duo's win drew mixed reactions from viewers. Many were over the moon for them...

https://twitter.com/Rachel_Coombs/status/1087829049186140160

https://twitter.com/alexleyland_/status/1087828277849407489

https://twitter.com/_oliviajayne__/status/1087829411133644802

Especially after Dec won rave reviews for his solo presenting on Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain's Got Talent.

https://twitter.com/bluemoonstar/status/1087829237061558273

But there were those who questioned whether this should have been a year when fans voted to recognise some of their fellow nominees.

https://twitter.com/kerrylou94/status/1087828997332000769

https://twitter.com/Cockney_Rocker/status/1087828635661275136

https://twitter.com/pinkshivs/status/1087828786597507074

Especially Holly Willoughby, who won praise from critics after stepping in for Ant on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

https://twitter.com/lookingforlewys/status/1087828224426549249

https://twitter.com/ChrisBu41863158/status/1087829385107988480

https://twitter.com/MsMegan91/status/1087828199189504003

Still, whatever you think, Piers Morgan vowed not to appear on telly for a year if the pair won. So that's something.

https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1087641687177027589

https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1087829186113347585