The Masked Singer’s Joel Dommett signs up to host this year’s National Television Awards – after pandemic delayed ceremony by EIGHT months
Joel Dommett has signed up to host the National Television Awards in the autumn, after the COVID-19 pandemic scuppered plans for a January ceremony.
The Masked Singer host, 35, has said he is ‘honoured’ to have been selected to front the spectacle, which will take place at London‘s The O2 on September 9.
He said in a statement: ‘It’s a huge honour to be hosting the NTAs this year! It still feels like someone has made a wonderful error. I really, really love TV and can’t wait to celebrate the best stuff from what’s been a very weird year or so.’
New host: Joel Dommett has signed up to host the National Television Awards in the autumn, after the COVID-19 pandemic scuppered plans for a January ceremony. Pictured in 2019
The comedian also joked he is hoping The Masked Singer will be successful on the night so he can present himself with a prize.
He quipped: ‘I’m also really hoping The Masked Singer wins something so I can present an award to myself. That’s a creative narcissist’s dream.’
NTA’s Executive Producer Kim Turberville added: ‘We are so excited to be back to celebrate a remarkable TV year like no other. There is a wealth of great television to recognise and we are delighted to have Joel at the helm.
‘With his wit and natural charisma, he’ll definitely be bringing a fresh approach to this year’s awards.’
Honoured: The Masked Singer host, 35, has said he is ‘honoured’ to have been selected to front the spectacle, which will take place at London’s The O2 on September 9
Earlier this year, it was announced the NTAs, which usually takes place in January, had been rescheduled for September 9, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Kim said at the time: ‘The NTAs will return to The O2 London in September to mark the UK’s best, boldest and most beloved TV shows with a surprise-packed event – and we look forward to seeing you on the night for a celebration like no other.”
David Walliams hosted the event in January 2020 after taking over from Dermot O’Leary, who presented the spectacle from 2010 to 2019.
The longlist voting will open on Tuesday at nationaltvawards.com.
Prize: The 35-year-old comedian also joked he is hoping The Masked Singer will be successful on the night so he can present himself with a prize. Pictured in at the NTAs in 2018
Meanwhile, Joel has branded himself the ‘Dermot O’Leary of comedy’, explaining to The Mirror: ‘Nobody loves me, nobody hates me.’
Joel boasts quite the busy roster, and at the end of the month he will return to screens as host of ITV’s new contest The Masked Dancer.
He said: ‘The Masked Dancer is on a par with the last Masked Singer series – such good reveals, really amazing. It’s the job that I’ve enjoyed the most in my life, I’ve really loved it.
‘I feel like it suits my buoyant personality and it’s silly. I love doing all the puns, I’ve really leaned into that now. They just allowed me to be way more “me” and put more silly references in… It’s so fun. It’s the stupidest comedy.’
The host with the most: Joel is enjoying success as host of The Masked Singer. Pictured with show judges (L-R) Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross