Molly-Mae Hague sparks ITV NTAs backlash as award win branded ‘laughable’ following triumph over Rob Burrow doc
Molly-Mae Hague’s National Television Awards win on Wednesday evening has left floods of viewers furious.
The influencer picked up the gong for Authored Documentary following her series, Molly-Mae: Behind It All.
The documentary, released in January on Prime Video, delved into the Love Island winner’s relationship and split from boxer Tommy Fury, as well as the launch of her fashion brand.
The six-parter was up against some major competition, with several hard-hitting shows in the running for the same award, including There’s Only One Rob Burrow, Flintoff, and Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me.
Most fans seemed to expect the late Mr Burrow’s family to be handed the accolade, with the former rugby star having been diagnosed with MND in 2019 before sadly losing his battle with the brutal condition last year.
The former sports star campaigned to raise awareness for the illness before his death at 41, and the documentary explored his life and legacy.
Meanwhile, Freddie Flintoff’s doc looked at his horrific Top Gear accident, which left him with life-long injuries, while Ms Dowden’s show was about her cancer journey and recovery.
Ms Hague acknowledged the seriousness of the nominated shows as she took to the stage to claim her prize.
“Just to be nominated for this award was such an honour,” she told the huge audience.
The 26-year-old continued: “I think as you guys saw, we were up against some seriously inspirational people in this category.”
Despite her nod to the other nominees, viewers at home weren’t happy that Ms Hague ended up winning the category.
Plenty of viewers took to social media to fume about the result, with one writing on X: “The #NTAs are basically a travesty & a true reflection of society today… How on earth does Molly Mae beat #RobBurrow, a guy that fought a really tough battle against MND. Words fail me.”
“How the hell did Molly Mae win over Rob Burrow last night. I was shocked in front of his family. #NTAs #ntaawards,” a second penned.
Another fumed: “Molly Mae winning the documentary at the #NTAs is laughable you have a cricketing superstar who had a life changing accident, a rugby star who captured the hearts of a nation fighting an incurable disease, but we’ll award it to a nobody who’s broken up with another nobody.”
“#NTAs Molly Mae winning felt so awkward?? The crowd felt quiet lmao,” another noted.
Someone else added: “I don’t know if you watched the #NTAs but the fact that ppl voted for Molly Mae in the best documentary category, (above ppl that have suffered life changing illnesses and even death) has made my hatred for humans intensify.” (sic)
Elsewhere, former football pundit Gary Lineker also shocked viewers when he was awarded for his presenting.
The axed BBC Match of the Day host took to the stage with a pointed speech, seemingly directed at the broadcaster that sacked him over his social media posts.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Gary Lineker takes huge swipe at BBC following controversial exit as he bags historic NTA winEmmerdale’s Amy Walsh shares baby news with sweet announcement alongside EastEnders star husbandKaleb Cooper makes worrying admission as Clarkson’s Farm star reflects on ‘two bad years’ of farming
“It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award, aside from presenting Match of the Day, the most iconic football show on television for 26 years,” Mr Lineker began.
He continued: “And there’s so many amazing people that I’ve worked with both in front of the camera and behind the camera over that period of time.
“So a massive thank you to each and every one of them, because I wouldn’t be here now, receiving this award, if it wasn’t for them.
“And also I think it demonstrates that perhaps it’s OK sometimes for us to use our platform – to use our platform to speak up for those who have no voice.”
Mr Lineker concluded: “So thank you, it means the world – thank you very much.”