Ant and Dec escape near-disaster at the National Television Awards

They are the stars of the show year in, year out, but Ant and Dec almost missed tonight’s National Television Awards ceremony.

The duo arrived at the event with just minutes to spare as their show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! was handed the prize for best challenge show.

They had got stuck in a traffic jam en route to the star-studded night – but told fans they were tuning in in the car.

The show – which is held at the O2 in North Greenwich, south east London – is something of a nightmare to get to.

Celebs often face long waits in their cars to get to their glittering destination.

The pair – who went on to collect the NTA for best presenters for the 17th year in a row and the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award – nearly missed their victory speech after being caught in traffic.

Dec wrote on their joint Twitter account: “Ooh the #NTAs have started and we’re in a traffic jam. We’re watching it on an iPad tho. Nice opening! D.”

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Dec wrote on their joint Twitter account: “Ooh the #NTAs have started and we’re in a traffic jam. We’re watching it on an iPad tho. Nice opening! D.”

After a fan asked how far away they were they replied: “It’s taken an hour and 3/4 to do 8 miles! We’re less than a mile away but chocka. Hopefully there in 5…”

Earlier they said they were “racing from film set” to the ceremony at London’s O2 Arena and joked they were “hoping we get there before the end”.

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All eyes were on the duo as they made their first official public appearance since Ant revealed he is splitting from his wife.

Ant recently announced his divorce from Lisa Armstrong after 11 years, following months of speculation about their relationship.

Great to see him back where he belongs – and on the path to a healthier future.