David Dimbleby gushes over the BBC at NTAs as he accepts Special Recognition live on ITV

Dimbleby called the public broadcaster 'vital to national life' 
David Dimbleby received the special recognition award
PA Archive/PA Images
Natasha Sporn23 January 2019

David Dimbleby amused viewers as he gushed over the BBC while receiving a Lifetime Achievement award on ITV.

The broadcasting stalwart was honoured at the National Television Awards just weeks after he stepped down from his role as Question Time chair.

After a show reel of his career was played Dimbleby took to the stage to give a heartfelt speech but viewers couldn’t help but chuckle as he praised the BBC while live on ITV.

One joked: “Loving Dimbledore trolling ITV with constant mention of the BBC #NTAs.”

Another said: “Mate you do realise you’re on itv talking all this about bbc #NTAS.”

“Can’t decide if David Dimbleby has genuinely forgot that the #NTAs awards are on ITV whilst he’s been bigging up the BBC for 10 minutes or he’s the ultimate troll. Either way, an absolute legend,” laughed somebody else.

In his speech, Dimbleby said: “All the things you saw there were on the BBC. I’e been a fan all my life. I began with the BBC, I think it’s one of the great national institutions.

“I know many of the people we are seeing tonight are from other channels but I think the existence of the BBC is absolutely vital for our life. However it’s threatened by Netflix or other competition.

“The BBC still holds a heart in the place of the British people.”

Dimbleby also said he had been “very fortunate” in his career, which had now led him to “rub shoulders with people he wouldn’t usually” at the lavish awards ceremony.

National Television Awards 2019: Red Carpet - In pictures

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The National Television Awards are avaliable for catch up on ITV Hub.

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