NTAs 2026: British Icons and National Treasures Nominated
The National Television Awards have unveiled the 2026 longlist, celebrating the very best of British broadcasting. As the nation looks to champion its cultural institutions, this year's nominations reflect a formidable array of homegrown talent, from centenarian national treasures to gritty sporting icons.
The ceremony will return to The O2 in London on September 8, broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX, with Joel Dommett presiding over the evening for the sixth time.
Sir David Attenborough and Royal Recognition
Leading the pack is Sir David Attenborough, who has just marked his 100th birthday. The veteran broadcaster earns an astonishing five nominations in the Factual Entertainment category alone, for programmes including A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough, Wild London, and Kingdom. His lifelong dedication to documenting our natural heritage remains a cornerstone of British television.
Also recognised in this category is The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy, which featured an exclusive interview with the Prince of Wales last year. The inclusion of the Royal Family in programming continues to resonate deeply with the British public.
A Celebration of British Grit and Drama
In a brand new category recognising the popularity of fly-on-the-wall celebrity shows, Wythenshawe-born boxer Tyson Fury is nominated for his reality documentary. He is joined by other uncompromising British figures, including Gordon Ramsay, Vinnie Jones, and Danny Dyer. The new Reality Docuseries category also features Clarkson's Farm, At Home With The Furys, and The Dyers' Caravan Park.
The Drama Performance category showcases the strength of British acting. Dame Emma Thompson receives a nod for the thriller Down Cemetery Road, alongside Martin Clunes for Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards, Tom Hiddleston for The Night Manager, and Brenda Blethyn for A Woman Of Substance.
Enduring National Institutions
Traditional broadcasting staples continue to dominate the longlist. The Serial Drama category sees our longest-running soaps, Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks, competing for the public's vote. In the Quiz Show category, national favourites Pointless and The 1% Club are up against Ant & Dec's Limitless Win and Michael McIntyre's The Wheel.
Alan Carr faces a busy evening, with nominations across three categories: TV Presenter, Quiz Show for Alan Carr's Picture Slam, and Talent Show for Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr. In the TV Presenter race, he competes against Ant and Dec, Alison Hammond, Claudia Winkleman, and Sir David Attenborough.
Authored Documentaries and Comedy
The Authored Documentary category features poignant and challenging subjects, including posthumous appearances from Caroline Flack and Ozzy Osbourne. Other nominations include Heston: My Life With Bipolar, Molly-Mae: Behind It All, Our Girls: The Southport Families, and Sir Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage And Me.
Comedy nods go to Amandaland, Here We Go, Small Prophets, Last One Laughing, and Saturday Night Live UK, alongside Alan Carr's Changing Ends.
The public has until May 29 to cast their votes at www.nationaltvawards.com. The shortlist will be revealed in August, ahead of the final round of voting for the 31st annual ceremony.