Yahoo News Joel Dommett receives mixed reactions for NTAs presenting debut
Thursday's (September 9) National Television Awards saw Joel Dommett take to the stage as host for the first time, and viewers are divided.
The NTAs were presented by Dermot O'Leary from 2010, but last year David Walliams took over for the first time.
Joel jumped on the gig this year having had recent successful presenting gigs on The Masked Singer and The Masked Dancer, as well as the celebrity reboots of game shows The Chase and Crystal Maze, so it's safe to say he has some experience in this area.
Related: NTAs 2021 – All the red carpet looks
Joel opened the show, which aired live from London's O2 arena, with a number of jokes about the COVID-19 pandemic, the saucy scenes in Bridgerton and It's A Sin and, yes, his mum, who was also in the audience.
Joel, who rode up to the red carpet on a scooter no less, kicked things off with a skit that saw him calling around celebrity friends to try and find an opening act for the show.
Viewers, however, had some mixed feelings about the hosting change up.
Related: NTAs 2021 winners revealed, as Line of Duty and Coronation Street lead nominations
Some were glad to see a fresh face leading the event, with many praising his face specifically. Check out a few reactions below:
I actually love Joel though, I’ll be honest. #NTAs
— Sarah (@Noir4Moon) September 9, 2021
Time for the #NTAs, or as some people call it, Joel Dommett in a nice suit for several hours.
— Ryan Love (@RyanJL74) September 9, 2021
Joel Dommett is so good as host here. Smooth, funny and probably the most dapper comedian in the UK right now. #NTAs
— bruce dessau (@brucedes) September 9, 2021
@joeldommett is smashing this. He’s a natural at hosting and is doing a fantastic job tonight. You should be proud Joel. 🎊👏👌 #NTAs
— @TheRealDeclanKincaid (@TheRealDeclanK1) September 9, 2021
I don’t usually watch the #NTAs but as the ever so hot Joel Dommett is hosting, I’ll make an exception!
— Stuart Hardaker (@mrstu011983) September 9, 2021
Others, though, were less pleased with the decision to bring the prolific presenter onboard for the awards:
Joel Dommett makes you realise how great Dermot O’Leary is #NTAs
— Verso (JVTV) (@JamieVersey) September 9, 2021
Joel Dommett’s ‘comedy’ opening for the #NTAs has made me switch over - no way I can listen to 2.5 hours of that or him
— Johnny (@Johnny_Clements) September 9, 2021
Warning : Joel Dommett's voice may crack windows. Keep the volume down on your TVs. 🤣#NTAwards #NTAs
— Chris Facey (@chris_facey_uk) September 9, 2021
I’m starting to believe Joel Dommet did really only have 15mins to find an opening act. #NTAs
— Random Allsorts (@FearlessMode01) September 9, 2021
Joel Dommet- This is getting painful to watch. #NTAS pic.twitter.com/VjeBwHBkFN
— Jay Warne (@Jaywarne1994) September 9, 2021
Many viewers, for better or worse, gave Joel respect for his graft – which has seen him present nine different television shows in 2020 and 2021. Pretty impressive.
Joel Dommett gets in places that water doesnt #NTAs #NationalTelevisionAwards
— Kyle S (@KyleSew2112) September 9, 2021
#NTAs Joel Dommett must have some photos of ITV producers naked in a field with a goat to keep getting work. Awful.
— sofaprice (@sofaprice) September 9, 2021
Her at Digital Spy, we think Joel did a pretty good job with what was sure to be a tough gig.
If you want to find out who won what at tonight's ceremony, you can check out the full winners list here.
The National Television Awards are air on ITV.
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