CASH-strapped ITV has cancelled the National Television Awards because it can’t afford to stage them.

 

The glitzy bash was due to take place in October at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

 

But an insider said: “ITV is having serious cash issues and the awards cost about £1million to put on.”

 

ITV has axed Heartbeat and The Royal and other shows are facing the boot.

 

Boss Michael Grade announced last month ITV had lost £2.7billion and had to sack 600 staff.

 

He also said the programme budget would be cut by £135million over three years.

 

Insiders said the awards could be resurrected next January if cash was available.

 

An ITV spokesperson said: “We never comment on scheduling matters.”

 

Shame, I really enjoy the NTA's. Hope they are saved by someone.

 

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showb...icle2338891.ece

I should think the BBC will air it if this is true. They were rumoured to be wanting to bid for them this year anyway. I can't see Sir Trev defecting over to the BBC to host them though!

I hope the Beeb do jump in now.

 

I wouldn't mind Graham Norton hosting :D

I really hope it is saved, I always enjoy watching these award things!

I should think the BBC will air it if this is true. They were rumoured to be wanting to bid for them this year anyway. I can't see Sir Trev defecting over to the BBC to host them though!

 

But if the BBC offer him more money than ITV (which they probably will, considering how screwed ITV are money-wise), I doubt he'll stay.

 

But they'll probably get someone like Graham Norton or Jonathan Ross to do it.

Bloody shame to be honest, they should cut down the amount of episodes for soaps, and give a cut to certain TV presenter's salaries *cough* Mr Cowell *cough*

 

A lot of these TV presenters are too overpaid IMHO.

 

I love the national tv awards and i hope that if itv drop it that bbc will pick it up, next they will probably axe the soap awards

Thankfully the Soap Awards haven't been...yet :(

 

However...

 

ITV has axed the National Movie Awards after two years, it has emerged.

 

The awards ceremony was created in 2007 and had a second outing last September. According to The Guardian, the show - which would air around the same time this year - has not been commissioned for a third event.

 

An introductory video reel indicating that the 2009 awards' public vote will open in the summer is still available on the awards' website.

its not definite about the nation tv awards but is definite about the national movie awardsmititv say they are considering putting the national tv awards of until 2010, i hope they keep it going this year as i want to see eastenders crowned best soap again

I should think the BBC will air it if this is true. They were rumoured to be wanting to bid for them this year anyway. I can't see Sir Trev defecting over to the BBC to host them though!

He can do it for a one off surely? He's previously hosted Have I Got News For You...

i like sir trevor hosting them i must admit and id love paul o grady to do the soap awards again even though i dont mind phil and fern i hated when your man from stars in their eyes presented the soap awards he was so annoying