Alan Carr emotional as Celebrity Traitors cast award him special nod at NTAs
Alan Carr got a special nod at the NTAs (Getty Images)
Alan Carr received the National Television Awards 2026 Special Recognition Award, with the surprise reveal delivered via a camp musical performance by Amanda Holden and Paloma Faith and his other Celebrity Traitors co-stars.
The moment took place at London’s O2 Arena during the 8 September ceremony, hosted by Joel Dommett. Holden and Faith performed “I Know Him So Well” from Chess, with Faith’s coffin entrance framed as a nod to her and Carr’s time on The Celebrity Traitors.
Online, one viewer summed up the mood, writing: “Alan Carr’s Special Recognition Award surprise reveal is the CAMPEST THING I have ever seen. Paloma Faith rising from the coffin? Exceptional.”
Taking to the stage afterwards, Carr joked about being caught off guard by the set-up, telling the audience: “This is how thick I am, it was only when Paloma came out that I realised it’s me.”
He added: “I should have realised when they put me in the front row, I’m usually in the back with the people from Naked Attraction.”
Carr won on the night, alongside other television favourites like Sheridan Smith and David Attenborough.
‘This is how thick I am’
Carr also became emotional while accepting the award. In his acceptance speech, he said: “It’s amazing. It’s been very surreal and triggering. But thank you [to the audience], because if you didn’t watch the shows and vote, then I wouldn’t be here.”
As well as his unforgettable run on Celebrity Traitors, Carr’s incredible 20-year career was also celebrated.
What makes it even more special, though, is the Special Recognition Award is the only NTA category not decided by a public vote.
Alan Carr’s TV career
Carr became a household name through Channel 4’s The Friday Night Project and later his chat show Alan Carr: Chatty Man.
Known for a flamboyant, quick-witted comic persona and a strong association with camp British pop culture, he has fronted mainstream entertainment across Channel 4, ITV and the BBC, alongside stand-up specials and panel-show appearances.
The gay comedian was previously married to Paul Drayton, who has spoken publicly about his experiences after their relationship, including being targeted in a Grindr blackmail plot and writing about feeling treated like a ‘nobody’ during marriage.
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