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24th Jan 2018

Dermot O’Leary forced to confront activist who stormed stage at National Television Awards

The presenter negotiated with a protestor before security intervened

Oli Dugmore

Last night’s National Television Award’s were gatecrashed by a protestor.

Unfortunately for him, the moment wasn’t actually broadcast as a pre-recorded message from from Bruce Forsyth’s widow played.

Dermot O’Leary confronted the stage invader at Tuesday evening’s National Television Awards.

The night’s host was pictured placating a mystery man who attempted to crash the ceremony at London’s O2 Arena in scenes that weren’t aired on TV.

Dermot stopped the man from reaching for his the microphone as he was on stage with Bruce Forsyth’s widow Wilnelia to present an award.

The man was wearing a T-shirt that said “Oppression of ideas is not freedom like UK media thinks” while brandishing what looks like a sheet of A3 (maybe a low GSM A2).

Security promptly intervened and escorted the protestor from the stage.

Meanwhile Bruce Forsyth’s widow was being broadcast to the nation. She spoke of her pride and honour after the annual ceremony named a prize in the late star’s memory.

She told the audience: “I’m so proud and honoured that this special award is named after my darling Bruce.

“I know he would have loved it because showbusiness was his life and I also know if he was here this evening he would be saying to all of you, ‘It’s been nice to see you, to see you nice’.”