Roll call of winners 1995-2016

"It’s unbelievable and yet no surprise that we’re celebrating fifty years of Billy Connolly. Because he doesn’t compromise, because he doesn’t fit a label, he has no shelf life, he’s not part of a phase. He’s unique.
He is…
Billy Connolly" - NTAs

"Anyone who’s ever given me a shot, thank you very much and anyone who’s ever let me into their living room on the telly, it’s a real honour and a privilege to get to do that, so thank you."

"Thank you. The last 25 years have been a pleasure." - Ant

"Neither of us would be here if it wasn't for each other." - Dec

"Life doesn't get any better than this. I love you. Thank you with all my heart!"

"Thank you so much for this, it’s such a lovely thing and I appreciate it very much"

"It’s so overwhelming - it’s the best thing I’ve ever won"

"OMFG. I really am completely staggered… Thank you!"

"This is the one time I get to say, whoever has watched our shows, I really do appreciate it… I am absolutely thrilled!"

"And then of course there’s James and Richard, without whom… actually this still would have been possible, so thank you very much!"

"It’s the penguins, gorillas, polar bears and birds of paradise, and the fact that you care for them, that has brought me this. Thank you."

"This is a tremendous honour. I’m just a chef really so I didn’t expect all this. Nice one!"

"I love this! To all the viewers, thank you so much."

"It’s a real privilege to present this award to someone who has made an extraordinary contribution to British Broadcasting over many years and is admired and respected by everyone in this country." - PM Tony Blair

"I really am speechless to be honest." - Ant

"No, really we are speech-less, we have no speech! We had no idea this was coming… To be receiving something like this is quite unbelievable for us!" - Dec

"My goodness, what a surprise, I’m shaking! After thirty nine years on prime time, you’d think I’d be okay wouldn’t you?"

"It’s been splendid. We have amazing production people in this country and we still make easily the best television in the world, and I’m very proud to be part of that."

"I love every one of you. To all my fans, thank you very much. To all those who don’t like me, tough!"

"It’s a great honour.… I wondered if I may share this with my wife, Sheila, for the times that we’ve passed on the stairs and I’ve said “I can’t talk to you now, I’m working”. I love her dearly. Thank you very much."

"Oh no, it’s a very good laxative this!"

"What a wonderful accolade, to be given this lovely award by the people who have given me so much pleasure to entertain, I mean the viewers."

"You’re not going to change your mind and take it back are you? Because I don’t part with things easily!"