It was a great night for the Irish at the National Television Awards last night with both Peaky Blinders starring Irishman Cillian Murphy and Mrs Brown’s Boys being honoured.
Ricky Gervais was also nominated for his series After Life. Up against the likes of Derry Girls, Sex Education and Fleabag, the win for ‘Best Comedy’ went to Ireland’s own Mrs Brown’s Boys.
Category winners are decided by public vote. Gracious in defeat, Ricky Gervais tweeted his response to the decision.
What a fucking bunch of losers. Congratulations to Mrs Brown’s Boys. Democracy always wins. Be nice in defeat and know that you are still the best fans in the world. Thanks to everyone who voted ?#AfterLife #NTAs pic.twitter.com/Grzk7o6k8r
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 29, 2020
Fans were quick to reassure him, with one tweeting: “mate you’re still one of the top 10 funniest people on the planet right now, don’t worry about it”.
The cast of Mrs Brown’s Boys, however, was delighted with the outcome, celebrating their fifth NTA win.
OMG we now got 5 NTA Awards we are in shock thank you so much for voting for us, big love ☘️❤️ @OfficialNTAs @aikenpromotions @OfficialNTAs @gigsandtours @JennyGibney #mrsbrownsboys #NTAs2020 pic.twitter.com/bSg2NiWidN
— Mrs. Brown's Boys (@MrsBrownsBoys) January 28, 2020
Peaky Blinders was in the running for ‘Best Drama’, winning out against Line of Duty, Killing Eve, Call the Midwife and Casualty. Irishman Cillian Murphy bagged the Best Drama Performance on the night as well.
Murphy’s co-stars Sophie Rundle, who plays Ada Shelby, and Harry Kirton, who plays Finn Shelby, accepted the award on his behalf. Unable to attend the ceremony in person, he expressed his gratitude in a pre-recorded message.
“I’m very, very touched and very honoured and very humbled to receive this award, this evening. Particularly ’cause it’s voted for by you guys, and it confirms to me that Peaky Blinders fans are the best in the world. So loyal, so imaginative and so good at voting…I’m gonna dedicate this award to you guys”.
Earlier tonight, Cillian Murphy received the Best Drama Performance award at the #NTAs – and now he's got a message for you. pic.twitter.com/ot9JbRQGcX
— National TV Awards (@OfficialNTAs) January 28, 2020
Other winners include Strictly Come Dancing for ‘Best Talent Show’, Ant & Dec for ‘Best TV Presenter’ (for the 19th year running, might I add) and Gavin & Stacey for the ‘Impact Award’.