ITV AND NATIONAL TV AWARDS AGREE NEW DEAL.

ITV is pleased to announce that it has agreed a new deal with Indigo Television which secures the National Television Awards on ITV1 until 2011.

As part of the new deal the much-anticipated television awards ceremony will move in its 15th anniversary year to the 20,000 capacity O2 arena in Greenwich, London and will also move from its traditional autumn slot and be broadcast live in January 2010 on ITV1.

After hosting the prestigious awards ceremony since 1996, Sir Trevor McDonald has decided to relinquish his role as presenter and Dermot O’Leary can today be confirmed as the National Television Awards’ new host.

ITV’s Director of Entertainment and Comedy, Elaine Bedell said: “I’m delighted to announce this new deal which secures the NTAs – the most popular television awards, as chosen by viewers – on ITV1 until 2011 at a fantastic new home in the O2 arena.

“I’m also very pleased to be announcing Dermot as the new host of the awards, and I have no doubt that he’s the right man to continue the excellent job that Sir Trevor has done over the last 13 years.”

Executive Producer of the National Television Awards, Kim Turberville, said: “The bedrock of the NTAs is the massive nationwide poll in which the public choose all the winners with millions of votes cast each year. The exciting move to the much larger O2 arena means we can strengthen our bond with viewers still further by accommodating even more members of the public, and staging the NTAs biggest event ever!”

“Sir Trevor McDonald has been a sure hand on the tiller over the past years and coped magnificently with a live and unpredictable show. Now we go in to our fifteenth year in a new venue with a great new host at the rostrum who we are confident can build on Sir Trevor’s success and contribute to the NTA’s position as Britain’s favourite awards ceremony.”

Dermot O’Leary said: “The NTA’s have always been one of the biggest nights in British Television and what makes it extra special is the fact that all the winners are 100% voted for by the viewers. Taking over from Sir Trevor is a daunting prospect but it’s a genuine honour and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m especially looking forward to compering the EastEnders/Coronation Street blood feud. May the best soap win!”

Sir Trevor McDonald said: “I’ve had great fun hosting the National Television Awards, but after 13 years I think it is the right time to relinquish my role as presenter.”

The National Television Awards are the only television awards to be 100 percent voted for by the UK public in a huge nationwide poll. The voting for the 15th NTA will open in September 2009.

To be sure of joining the stars on their big night out at the NTAs, simply call Ticketmaster on 0844 8472536 when lines open from 9am on Friday 17th July. Or you can visit the website at www.theo2.co.uk/nta.

For further information: Taylor Herring PR on 020 8206 5151 or [email protected]