Joel Dommett to return as host of The National Television Awards

Joel Dommett is set to host The National Television Awards for the second year running.

The 36-year-old comedian will once again lead proceedings at London's OVO Arena, Wembley on September 15, after impressing organisers last year.

In a statement, Joel said: “I’m so happy to have been asked back. There’s already been some terrific TV this year, so I can’t wait to see which shows the viewers pick as their winners. Plus, I’ve always wanted to shout the immortal words ‘Hello, Wembley!’…”

This year's ceremony - which will be broadcast on ITV - will see the introduction of "new categories, exclusive live performances and surprise VIP guests."

'The Masked Singer' host Joel followed in the footsteps of David Walliams, Dermot O'Leary, Sir Trevor McDonald and Eamonn Holmes in hosting the awards.

The 2021 event was a momentous occasion for presenting icons Ant and Dec, who were named TV Presenter of the year for the 20th year in a row.

Taking to the stage, Ant McPartlin said: “We were talking in the car on the way here and the first year we won an NTA, Tony Blair was the prime minister and Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League. It just goes to show how long ago it was.

“But do you know what? This one means the most. Twenty years. This is really, really special. You have no idea how special this is.”

While Dec Donnelly added: When you get to 20, you can’t help but stop and look back at the first time we won in 2001, and so much has changed in both our lives since then but one thing that hasn’t changed is how unbelievably grateful we are that you take time year after year to watch both of us.”

Elsewhere, BBC hit drama ‘Line of Duty’ came away with two awards for Returning Drama and Special Recognition, while New Drama went to ‘It’s A Sin’, and ‘Coronation Street’ bagged the Serial Drama gong.

There were also two further wins for the ITV soap, which came away with a Serial Drama Performance award for Mollie Gallagher’s performance as Nina Lucas, and a Newcomer trophy for nine-year-old Jude Riordan as Sam Blakeman.