National Television Awards delayed until April 2021 in wake of coronavirus

The 2021 National Television Awards have been postponed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The star-studded TV ceremony - screened live on ITV and famed for its lively atmosphere - was scheduled to go ahead in January 2021 at the 20,000 capacity O2 arena in London, but has been put back by three months until April.

A spokesperson for the NTAs said: "The National Television Awards has today announced that the 2021 NTAs has been rescheduled to Tuesday 20th April 2021 and tickets will be honoured for the new date.

Read more: Oscars and BAFTAs both postponed until April 2021

"Information about new NTA voting categories being launched in 2021 and the first round of voting will be released this Autumn."

The British television awards are voted for by the public and includes categories best TV presenter, best drama, best talent show and best serial drama (soap).

Not only does the event pose huge challenges in terms of social distancing, but filming on many TV shows has had to be suspended during lockdown - leading to more repeats being screened.

The 2020 NTAs saw Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly take home the award for best TV Presenter for the 20th year in a row. While a delighted Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield collected This Morning’s 10th NTA for best Live Magazine show.

Read more: Corrie stars Alison King and Mikey North deny they shared kiss at NTAs

Good Morning Britain’s Piers Morgan boycotted the ceremony, saying he was “sick” of being beaten by Willoughby and Schofield every year.

And Loose Women panelist Denise Welch also confessed she is “sick” of losing to This Morning.

There was also controversy surrounding this years cermeony as former Love Island contestant Chris Hughes has apologised to girlfriend Jesy Nelson for lashing out at a photographer on his way home from the awards. The couple have since split.

Meanwhile, Coronation Street stars Alison King and Mikey North both issued denials after it was claimed thet had been caught on camera sharing a kiss at the award cermony.