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David Walliams jibes at Laurence Fox's 'empty diary' in NTAs opening monologue

Laurence Fox attends the 65th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the London Coliseum on November 24, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Laurence Fox attends the 65th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the London Coliseum on November 24, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)

National Television Awards host David Walliams didn't miss a chance to take a swipe at Laurence Fox as he delivered his opening monologue at Tuesday evening’s ceremony.

It comes after Fox caused controversy during an appearance on BBC1’s Question Time when he queried whether the Duchess of Sussex had experienced racism in the UK.

Speaking to television audiences, the Britain’s Got Talent judge said: "You guys are the real stars, by which I mean you’re miles away from Earth. But without you, us lot down here would be nothing. I mean I’ll be fine, I’ve got my bestselling children’s books.”

“Their diaries would be emptier than Laurence Fox’s,” he added, referring to the other TV stars.

David Walliams joked about Laurence Fox's "empty calendar". (ITV)
David Walliams joked about Laurence Fox's "empty calendar". (ITV)

Following Walliams’ delivery, the gag received low cries of “ooh” from the crowd.

Read more: Laurence Fox suffering from insomnia

After his appearance on Question Time, Fox continued to make controversial statements as he said it was wrong for First World War film 1917 to feature a Sikh soldier, although he did later retract the comment.

He also remarked that he would no longer be dating “woke” women or those under 35.

Although, at the NTAs Walliams kept it light-hearted as he made jabs at the stars in attendance.

David Walliams hosted the National Television Awards for its 25th Anniversary. (ITV/Nicky Johnson)
David Walliams hosted the National Television Awards for its 25th Anniversary. (ITV/Nicky Johnson)

Referencing the seating position of Ant and Dec, Walliams said: "They are on the front row not because they're important, it's because they've forgotten their booster seat."

Elsewhere, as he reflected on the success of the Gavin and Stacey cast highlighting James Corden's success in the US and Ruth Jones' sitcom Stella, he jested about Rob Brydon's advertisement deals.

"Uncle Bryn has got his ferry ads," he joked.