National TV Awards 2001
What with one thing and another, there was a lot of speculation about Michael's chances here this year. These awards are voted for by those who matter most - the viewers. After all, the most important thing for any TV personality is that people want to see them on TV...
Most Popular Entertainment Presenter.

This is the category that Michael has made his own, having won it 5 times before. It was good to see that clip of his interview with Chris Eubank again. The nominees were;

  • Michael Barrymore
  • Graham Norton
  • Jim Davidson
  • Chris Tarrant
  • Ant & Dec
This year the award went to Ant and Dec (how will they share it?). Congratulations to them both, but will they ever equal Michael's record number of wins? I am already looking forward to the 2002 awards. It was nice of them to acknowledge the others in their acceptance speech.
Most Popular Entertainment Programme.

The night wasn't over for Michael yet, though. Last year this award went to Stars in Their Eyes which was in the running again this year. The nominees were;

  • My Kind of Music
  • Jim Davidson's Generation Game
  • Stars in Their Eyes
  • Popstars
Didn't doubt it for a moment, did you? Brian Dowling announced that Michael had continued his unbroken run of awards at this ceremony. My kind of Music was voted the winner.

The following morning I saw these headlines in the newspapers;

  • Michael Barrymore: Your Kind of TV Star, the Sun
  • Alwight On The Night, the Daily Mirror
For the first time ever, Michael was unable to collect his award in person. Trevor MacDonald read an announcement on his behalf.

All I can do is add my own congratulations and best wishes to Michael to the thousands he must have received.