Yahoo News Ant McPartlin nominated for Best Presenter at National Television Awards despite screen break
Ant McPartlin could be crowned best TV presenter at the National Television Awards despite having been off-screen since March.
McPartlin is nominated for the prestigious gong alongside professional partner Declan Donnelly, a category they have won many times before, revealed on Tuesday's longlist.
The Geordie duo will be up against Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield and Dermot O’Leary for the title at the ceremony next year.
Despite his nomination, McPartlin has not been on screen since March after he stepped down from television commitments following his drink-driving arrest.
His decision – which came during a run of Saturday Night Takeaway – meant that Donnelly hosted the Britain’s Got Talent live shows solo in June.
McPartlin later announced that he wouldn’t return to screen until 2019 with it later revealed that Willoughby will be taking his place on I’m A Celebrity.
The This Morning presenter will join Donnelly in Australia later this year ready to put a new batch of celebrities to the test.
The awards could also see Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker go up against Bodyguard's Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes.
The trio are longlisted for best drama performance, while Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer in Killing Eve are also on the list.
Peter Kay's Car Share finale is up for comedy, along with Derry Girls, Hold The Sunset, This Country, Still Open All Hours, The Big Bang Theory, The Keith & Paddy Picture Show and Mrs Brown's Boys.
The TV judge category features newcomer Robbie Williams along with the rest of the X Factor panel, and stalwarts on Strictly Come Dancing, The Great British Bake Off and Britain's Got Talent.
Dancing On Ice makes a return to the Talent Show category after a revival earlier this year, battling Strictly, BGT and The X Factor as well as possibly fighting it out with The Voice UK and Kids.
The 24th National Television Awards will be held on Tuesday January 22 in London.
Additional reporting by the Press Association.
