Dermot O’Leary apologised to Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly after joking about them winning every year at the National Television Awards.
The television presenter was forced to defend himself earlier this week, after it was claimed that he was in a “rage” after jokingly telling The Sun that everyone should “chuck in the towel” if Ant and Dec win Best Presenter at the award ceremony again.
While the 45-year-old took to Twitter on Wednesday to ensure that fans knew his comments were a joke, Dermot also texted the presenting duo to apologise.
I wouldn’t normally react to this, but…
A) I said no such thing. I merely joked that if the boys win this year, we should all chuck in the towel. It was neither serious nor a ‘rage.’ https://t.co/eZWSabKHoO— Dermot O’Leary (@radioleary) January 16, 2019
Speaking to the same publication, Ant revealed that the presenter texted him immediately after the article was published: “He was kind of joking. I say kind of because it was one of those foolish things to say that’s going to be taken in a serious manner.”
“He said, ‘Oh my God mate, I’m so sorry’. I challenged him to a fight in the school playground in my response. ‘3pm, schoolbags off.'”
“Then I said, ‘Look I get it, no worries,'” he added.
The 43-year-old and his presenting partner won’t be at the awards show on Tuesday, but Ant said that he hopes people will still vote for Dec: “If we do win — and I hope people still vote — then Dec deserves it. He’s worked his socks off this year. If we do win, then Dec will have to take most of it and I’ll take a tiny bit for my few shows last year.”
Ant returned to work on Britain’s Got Talent yesterday.
Listen to episode 10 of The Gosscast – where we chat to James Patrice about his journey from Snapchat star, to RTÉ presenter.
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