Lineker's Unforgettable Night at the NTAs

Last night at the National Television Awards, Gary Lineker totally shook things up. Yep, you heard that right—after a solid 23 years, Ant and Dec didn’t snag the 'TV Presenter of the Year' award. Instead, Gary, the face we all know from Match of the Day, stole the spotlight. Crazy, isn’t it?

A Shocking Twist in TV History

You know how some things are just a given? Like, gravity's a real pain when you trip, and all of us are heading towards becoming ghost stories someday. Well, add to that list the certainty of Ant and Dec bagging the NTA 'TV Presenter of the Year.' Except, not this time folks! Everyone was pretty much gobsmacked when the duo didn’t get the call and Gary Lineker’s name echoed through the hall instead.

A Groundbreaking Moment

This was a groundbreaking moment since it marked the first time in over two decades that someone other than our beloved duo clinched the title. The twist comes right after Gary parted ways with the BBC over some political views he tweeted about Palestine. Standing on stage, he couldn’t help but hint at the BBC drama, emphasizing how important it is to stand up for the voiceless. His win seemed to echo a bigger message—sometimes, it’s crucial to take a stand.

Celebrating with Gary Barlow’s Wine

Now, about that celebratory toast—what were they sipping on to celebrate Gary’s moment? Likely a 'Gary' of another sort! Yep, Gary Barlow’s wine. He's not just belting out hits with Take That; he’s also got a wine range that’s been doing rounds since 2021. His Malbec and Sauvignon were all over the NTA's, thanks to his sponsorship deal.

A Variety of Drinks on Offer

And it’s not just wine that got the limelight. Beer lovers could grab a Birra Moretti Sale di Mare or even a Heineken, thanks to NTA's choice of booze on the menu. The Moretti blend even packs a punch with a pinch of sea salt for an intriguing twist. And for those who fancy a bit of cider, Inch's Medium Apple Cider was on tap, another gem from Heineken’s collection, boasting one of the highest sugar contents for the UK cider aficionados.

Gossip and Celebrations

From attendees changing out of glam gowns into comfy jeans with sneaked bottles of Gary’s wine for the road, to call-outs of Heineken’s financial leaps—everything seemed to add flair to the celebration of Gary’s win, TV achievements and, of course, a bit of good booze that perfectly matched the festive mood of the night.

Memorable Moments and New Titles

Adding a bit of a tidbit, remember when Gary Lineker was seen chugging a drink straight from the bottle at his son Harry’s wedding in Ibiza? Yeah, that wild moment happened just this June. And guess who else showed up? His brother Wayne, who apparently had this long-standing feud with Gary, courtesy of a clash with Gary’s ex-wife. Looks like events and booze are certainly stirring things up in the Lineker world.

A Toast to Reeze Choi

Oh, and while we are chatting about international flavors, have you heard about Reeze Choi clinching the title of Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific? That’s another round of applause needed there!

The Grand Event

In essence, the night was a whirl of surprising wins, swirling wines, frothy beers, and celebrity gossips all blended into the grand event of the NTAs. Cheers to unexpected turns and extraordinary evenings!