Sir Michael Palin dedicates NTA Special Recognition win to late co-star Terry Jones
Sir Michael Palin used his NTAs acceptance speech to pay tribute to his late Monty Python co-star Terry Jones.
The comedy legend died on January 21 after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
As Sir Michael accepted the Special Recognition award, the comic and presenter hailed his friend and colleague for his "infectious and extraordinary enthusiasm."
“I want to dedicate this award tonight to someone who taught me more about television than anyone else, my dear friend and erstwhile Python, Terry Jones," he said.
“Anyone who knows or has worked with Terry will have been infected with his infectious and extraordinary enthusiasm. Terry always worked to get something right. He had a certain skill in being very ruthless but also charming at the same time.”
Sir Michael then told an anecdote about filming the Mr Creosote scene of a grossly overweight diner from the Python film The Meaning Of Life, adding: “That’s Python, that’s Terry and that’s his determination.
“What Terry wanted to do was say things in a way that had never been said before, and do things in a way that had never been done before. And I think that is a laudable aim for anyone in television or going into television.”
The TV star led tributes to his friend last week, when he described Jones as "kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full."
Here is the full list of winners from the NTAs 2020:
Challenge Show - The Great British Bake Off
Factual Entertainment Show - Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out
Best Drama - Peaky Blinders
Best Comedy - Mrs Brown’s Boys
Serial Drama Performance - Katie McGlynn
Impact Award - Gavin and Stacey
Live Magazine Show - This Morning
TV Judge - David Walliams
New Drama - Chernobyl
TV Presenter - Ant and Dec
Newcomer - Peter Ash
Special Recognition - Sir Michael Palin
Entertainment Programme - I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Drama Performance - Cillian Murphy
Serial Drama - Emmerdale
Talent - Strictly Come Dancing
With reporting by Press Association.