New NTA host Joel Dommett says he owes 19-time winners Ant & Dec for helping him bag the biggest job in telly.
The Masked Singer star became a household name in 2016 after finishing as runner-up on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity – fronted by the Geordie duo.
And he landed his big presenting break the following year on their ITV2 spin-off show, Extra Camp.
On Thursday, Joel will host The National Television Awards for the first time.
In doing so, he follows in the footsteps of TV giants Eamonn Holmes, Sir Trevor McDonald, Dermot O’Leary and David Walliams.
In an exclusive interview Joel, 36, tells me: “I’m hugely indebted to Ant and Dec for everything they’ve done for me.
“They’ve been really kind to me and hugely inspiring. When I did Extra Camp, I loved watching them work every day.
“I’m hugely influenced by their work ethic – the way they treat the crew, and how involved they are in all elements of the show.
“They made me realise how much work you need to put into these things. You really do get out what you put in.
“They’re amazing people – I’m in awe of them. Anyone who can last 30 years being top of their game is mind-blowing.
“I’d love to think that in 30 years, I’m still hosting big shows like they are.”
The National Television Awards, watched by millions, will finally take place at London’s O2 Arena – nine months after it was postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
Admitting he is feeling the pressure of fronting such an iconic event, Joel says: “The thing with the NTAs is, it’s such a fun show you just want to steer the party boat into dock without crashing it.”
But he revealed he has a secret weapon – 10-time former host Dermot O’Leary. He explains: “Dermot’s been incredibly supportive. We’ve been texting lots. He’s such a massive part of the NTAs.
“He has really helped shape it over so many years – it would be silly of me to not listen to him.”
Adding that Dermot has also been a career inspiration, he says: “It’s really nice that people like him and Davina [McCall] are always there if I ever need to ask anything.
“They’re like my TV family. I feel so privileged to be in such a small bunch of people who get to present some of the biggest shows on TV.
“You’re talking about five or six people who have experienced what I’m going through right now, and it’s been lovely to call on those people and ask them for advice.
“I’m just going to try and have as much fun as possible and just be me while doing it.”
Despite becoming one of the most in-demand men on TV, Joel won’t face Ant & Dec in the Most Popular Presenter category.
He missed out on the shortlist, on which they are joined instead by Alison Hammond, Bradley Walsh, Holly Willoughby and Piers Morgan.
But Joel says: “I’m honestly not bothered – I’m hosting the event, so I feel like I’ve already won.
“Ant & Dec will be going for a 20th consecutive win, which is just insane.
“You have to think they are favourites but you never know. I love the fact that Alison Hammond has made the cut this year. She deserves it.”
Joel could still collect an award though – The Masked Singer, which he hosts on ITV, is among the nominations in the Talent Show category.
He says: “I’m thrilled it’s nominated. It would be the absolute dream to be able to hand an award to myself.”
There are rumours Joel could now follow in the footsteps of fellow comic James Corden and crack America.
But he insists he has no plans to just yet. He says: “Maybe one day. It’s not a dream I have right now. I really love this country and the television we create here is incredibly special.
“I also love the comedy circuit here. The type of comics we generate and the TV we produce is unique.”
Not only is Joel’s professional life going from strength to strength but so is his personal life.
He married model Hannah Cooper, 30, in 2019 – and they are currently mixing work and pleasure, filming Celebrity Gogglebox together.
He says: “Things just keep getting better. I love my wife and my life.”
Asked whether he and Hannah have plans for a family, Joel adds: “We’ll see. We’re just really enjoying our life as it is for the time being.
“We’re both very busy at the moment – if we put children into the mix right now, it would be a lot. But perhaps… at some point!”
- The National Television Awards are on ITV this Thursday at 7.30pm.
