Sir Lenny Henry had the audience of the National Television Awards in shock as he took a swipe at the ‘Queue-Gate’ controversy – with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield in the audience.
The comedian was giving an emotional speech for his decades-long career in the industry as a black man, in which he pioneered various fundraising efforts and made strides in increasing on-screen diversity.
But he couldn’t help taking a cheeky swipe at the rows last month about the 12-hour long queue to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state after her death in September.
READ MORE: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly pull out of NTAs after catching Covid-19
Lenny was knighted by the late monarch in 2015.
Taking to the stage, the star said: “The last time I was here, it was to see Earth Wind and Fire. Nowadays all of those things are trying to kill us!
“Thank you for standing up,” he continued. “I know some of you were just trying to leave. These awards are so long, man, David Beckham is still outside queuing to get in!”
His quip had laughter erupting from the audience – but the camera stoically avoided Holly and Phil.
Fans on Twitter couldn’t believe their ears, as one wrote: “Yes Lenny made reference to the Queue and David Beckham!”, and another echoed: “Do you think Lenny had a little dig at Holly & Phil about David Beckham being still in the queue?”
Someone else giggled: “The cameraman trying not to film Phil and Holly when Lenny Henry made that queue joke!” with a sweating man meme.
And another fan posted: “I do wish the camera panned to Holly and Phil after that queue jumping jibe.”
This Morning still managed to scoop the gong for Best Daytime Show for the 12th time running – which sparked backlash on Twitter, and seemed to leave the Loose Women panel fuming.
Fans, too, weren’t too happy with the result, especially as Alison Hammond was “robbed” with Ant and Dec winning Best Presenter for the 21st year in a row.
One wrote on Twitter: “So a certain morning TV show wins at the NTAs… more queue jumping!!!”
As someone else ranted: “The queue busters getting another award so so wrong!”
Accepting their award, silver fox Phillip Schofield admitted it “isn’t easy” filming the morning show as he paid tribute to his fellow cast members.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
