FOLLOWING the success of his hosting debut at the National Television Awards last year, Joel Dommett is returning for a second run.
The Masked Singer presenter has been booked for the glitzy ceremony on September 15.
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For the first time in the NTA’s history the event, which will be broadcast live on ITV, is being held outside of London’s O2 Arena.
It will now take place at Wembley’s OVO Arena in the capital.
Speaking about returning as host, Joel, 36, said: “I’m so happy to have been asked back.
“There’s already been some terrific TV this year, so I can’t wait to see which shows the viewers pick as their winners.
“Plus, I’ve always wanted to shout the immortal words ‘Hello, Wembley!’”
Like last year, when HRVY and JLS played live sets, the NTAs organisers are lining up another live performer for the bash – along with other surprise guests to keep the crowd entertained.
And insiders said even more categories were going to be added this year in a bid to celebrate even more of the country’s great telly.
Previously Dermot O’Leary hosted the annual ceremony before he handed over the reins to David Walliams.
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Insiders said Joel was asked back after his first time in the role got rave reviews.
A source said: “Joel was absolutely fantastic at the NTAs last year.
“It was a no-brainer to get him back on board and the organisers were delighted when he was able to make the date.
“He has been given free rein with his opening monologue so fans can expect some pretty close-to-the-wire jokes.
“Joel is an absolute pro and knows exactly what pushes the audience’s buttons.
“He cannot wait to get up on stage.”
Tickets will go on sale to the public at nationaltvawards.com on Friday.
Last year Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly stole the show after winning the Best Presenter gong for the twentieth time.
The Geordie duo have won the award every single year for the past decade.
In an emotional speech last year, Ant told the crowd: “We were talking in the car on the way here and the first year we won a National Television Award, Tony Blair was the Prime Minister and Newcastle United qualified for the Champions’ League.
“It just goes to show how long ago that was!
“I’m shaking. This is really, really special, you’ve got no idea how special this is.”
Dec added: “When you get to 20, you can’t help but stop and look back at the first time we were ever given one in 2001.
“So much has changed in our lives since then but one that that hasn’t changed is that you take time year after year to vote for us and put us up here.
“We’re so honoured and humbled and grateful. As Ant said, it means the absolute world.”
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