NTAs: Alan Shearer risks wrath of Ant and Dec as he makes Gary Lineker admission

Alan Shearer has overlooked fellow Newcastle United fans Ant and Dec for the National Television Awards, backing his close friend Gary Lineker instead. Lineker has secured his first nomination since 2017 , coinciding with his departure from BBC's Match of the Day after a remarkable 26-year stint fronting the legendary show.

The 64-year-old faces off against television favourites and consistent winners Ant and Dec, who have ruled the Best Presenter category for an incredible 23 consecutive years . Whilst many might expect former Magpie Shearer to support his Geordie pals when casting his vote, the ex- Premier League legend has seemingly bucked the trend.

During an episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, former Tottenham Hotspur forward Lineker revealed his NTA nomination, saying: "I'm going to the NTAs tonight, I've been nominated chaps, nominated, how about that?"

Shearer and Micah Richards offered their friend some words of encouragement, with the latter joking: "Aw, go on Gaz, have you got any wind? Have you sent a text out or what to say, 'I'm only turning up if I'm getting the award.'"

The 64-year-old laughed off the suggestion, insisting it was the "Ant and Dec award anyway," alluding that he harbours little hope of victory. Shearer acted shocked before adding: "I have voted for you, though."

Lineker was taken aback as the former Newcastle star said: "I have yeah, absolutely, those two have had enough awards, haven't they? They've won everything for year after year after year. Someone else has to win it sometime."

Richards then joked: "That's like saying, 'You score goals year after year after year. Give it to second place.'" Lineker replied: "You do when you retire, though. When you stop scoring goals, you know you have to get out."

Despite Shearer giving his old Newcastle mates the cold shoulder, there's no doubt that the Geordies will bear no hard feelings, given their tight-knit relationship.

The three Magpie fans were present when the club broke their trophyless streak with a Carabao Cup victory in March, also showing up at the trophy parade to commemorate the historic win .

Earlier this year, the trio even participated in a round of golf , with Shearer posting a photo on social media of himself enjoying the football off-season with a leisurely stroll on the greens.

Ant and Dec were seen in Shearer's selfie, along with The Chase host Bradley Walsh and ex-England international Peter Crouch.

However, Lineker's attention is firmly on the NTAs, as he competes with a slew of other beloved TV hosts for the award in Wednesday's ceremony. Claudia Winkleman, Alison Hammond and Stacey Solomon are also nominated for the award alongside Ant and Dec and Lineker.

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