Gary Lineker on stage during the National Television Awards on Wednesday night

Gary Lineker has said he believes his victory at this year’s NTAs is evidence that “perhaps it’s OK sometimes for us to use our platform” to speak up on causes that are close to people’s hearts.

On Wednesday night, the former Match Of The Day host was awarded the Best Presenter prize at the National Television Awards, a title which had previously gone to Ant and Dec for 23 years running.

However, during this year’s ceremony, it was revealed that the award, voted for by members of the public, had been given to the former England striker, who left Match Of The Day earlier this year after a very public controversy.

Reacting to breaking the Britain’s Got Talent hosts’ winning streak, Gary quipped: “Blimey, I’ve won the Ant and Dec trophy! Right, what to say?

“Firstly, of course, thank you to everybody who voted for me. It’s hugely appreciated. It’s amazing.

“I remember when I first started to present Match Of The Day about a quarter of a century ago, and there were these two young Geordies, who were just making a name for themselves, and I thought to myself, ‘these boys are going to win this award, the NTA, every single year until Newcastle win a trophy’. So, there you have it.”

Gary Lineker posing with his National Television Award

Commenting on the significance of his win, he then noted: “It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award. Aside from........

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