Alan Carr Delivers Hilarious Acceptance Speech After Emotional Special Recognition Award at NTAs

Comedian Alan Carr received the special recognition award at tonight’s National Television Awards (NTAs), delivering a characteristically funny acceptance speech after being moved to tears during a dramatic tribute performance.

Star-Studded Tribute Leaves Carr Emotional

Before Carr collected the honor, the audience watched a theatrical performance featuring Amanda Holden, Paloma Faith, Kate Garraway, Charlotte Church, and David Olusoga. Faith was carried onto the stage in a black coffin, a clear reference to their time together on The Celebrity Traitors.

In a pre-recorded video tribute, Faith said: “Despite the wickedness, despite the cruelty of the man, it’s very hard not to love him.”

Host Claudia Winkleman added: “He’s delicious, isn’t he? I’d like him on a cracker.”

Carr appeared visibly moved as he realized the performance was dedicated to him, with tears in his eyes as he headed to the stage.

Carr’s Self-Deprecating Acceptance Speech

Upon reaching the podium, the 50-year-old comedian admitted he had no prior knowledge of the recognition. He quipped about his usual seating arrangement at awards ceremonies:

“This is how thick I am, it was only when Paloma came out that I realised it’s me,” he said. “I should have realised when they put me in the front row, I’m usually in the back with the people from Naked Attraction.”

The Celebrity Traitors Controversy Resurfaces

The award comes months after Carr’s ruthless gameplay on The Celebrity Traitors shocked viewers. Despite his over-the-top public persona, Carr revealed a strategic side when he eliminated his real-life friend Faith during the very first episode.

Speaking on the after-show podcast The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, Faith expressed her disappointment:

“I don’t think it was very nice.”

“If the shoe was on the other foot, I would not have touched Alan’s face. Categorically, he had a choice – maybe it was the easiest option, but it was the choice he made and I don’t think it was very nice”

She later reiterated her stance: “I still maintain to this day that if the shoe was on the other foot, I wouldn’t have done that. So I don’t think he should have done it to me and I’m surprised that he did.”

Co-Stars Dismiss Feud Rumors

Speculation about a rift between the pair circulated after the episode aired, but co-star Kate Garraway quickly dismissed those rumors during an appearance on Heart Breakfast with Amanda Holden.

When asked about the supposed feud by Jamie Theakston, Holden stated it had been “blown out of proportion,” with Garraway adding:

“It’s a game! Alan hasn’t said anything about Paloma to me, and Paloma hasn’t about Alan.

“I think it was pretty shocking, it was indeed flabbergasting even though Tom thought it was ridiculous to be flabbergasted, but to see her in that coffin when the lid slammed down was really shocking… So, I think it was extreme, and it got intense, but yeah!”

The special recognition award celebrates Carr’s enduring contribution to British television, spanning stand-up comedy, chat shows, and entertainment formats.