How to watch the National Television Awards outside the UK
David
David has been watching TV outside of his home country for over 12 years. In addition to his streaming expertise, he has a wealth of experience in watching sports and documentaries, having spent many years following these genres. He is an avid fan of The Detectorists and Blue Planet, and also has a keen interest in English football.
The National Television Awards are, without doubt, one of the biggest nights in the British TV year.
It is the one event where the great and good of British TV, from across all channels and formats, come together to celebrate the very best shows that UK viewers have been able to enjoy over the past twelve months.
All genres are covered in these awards, from sitcoms to soaps, from daytime magazine shows to the grittiest of late-night dramas.
It is also the one event where everyone who is anyone in British TV gets their glad rags on and hit the red carpet.
If you love British TV, then this is the one award show you don’t want to miss. But there is a problem is you happen to be outside the UK, because this is a quintessentially British event and is not, therefore, shown overseas.
So, if you happen to be outside the UK for work, on holiday, or if you’re an ex-pat, you will need some help to watch the National Television Awards where you are.
As an ex-pat myself, I know how important keeping in touch with the TV back home can be.
Which is why I have written this guide showing you how you can watch the National Television Awards, live or on-demand, from anywhere in the world.
Ready to get watching? Keep scrolling down.
Where are the National Television Awards being shown?
If you are lucky enough to be able to go in person, the National Television Awards are taking place this year at the O2 in London (The Millennium Dome for those of a certain age!).
They are, of course, also being broadcast live on TV too. This year, the awards will be shown live and exclusive on ITV 1 in the UK.
British-based viewers will also be able to watch the entire ceremony live and on-demand on the ITVX streaming service as well.
Sadly, if you are outside the UK, that is not an option because ITVX is not available to viewers outside the UK. But, as we have already said, there is a simple trick you can use to unblock and watch the National Television Awards from any country on the planet.
If you want to find out how just keep on reading.
What you need to watch the National Television Awards
If you want to watch the National Television Awards outside the UK, there are a few things you will need.
Firstly, you will need a streaming device. Most desktop and mobile devices will do the job these days and, unless you have been living in a cave, the chances are you already have your preferred streaming device to hand.
You may also be able to watch on a regular TV but you’ll need an Amazon Fire TV Stick or an Android TV.
Secondly, you will need an ITVX account. These are free and simple to set up. Just input a few details and create a password. That’s pretty much it.
Thirdly, you will need to access either the ITVX website or download the ITVX app. You can download this from most app stores and then just log into your account in the usual way.
But fourthly, and most crucially, you will also need a VPN if you are outside the UK.
A VPN is a simple online security and privacy tool that also helps people overseas to unblock streaming platforms like ITVX. By connecting a VPN to a UK-based server, you can make ITVX think you are in the UK and so letting you watch the National Television Awards where you are.
It sounds too simple, I know. But trust me. I have been using this method for years, and it really does work.
Where to get a VPN?
There are dozens of VPNs on the market, but don’t make the mistake of clicking on the first one that comes up in a Google search and settling for that because choosing the right VPN to unblock streaming platforms like ITVX is important.
You need a VPN with the right apps, the right servers, the best possible speeds, and one that comes in at the right price point.
I have tested just about all the VPNs worth testing, and my professional opinion is that the best VPN to unblock ITVX is ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN has lots of UK-based servers to choose from, apps for almost every device you can think of, and offers some of the most consistently fast speeds of any VPN.
When it comes to unblocking, there are, quite simply, none better than ExpressVPN. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.
If you do want to shop around, NordVPN and Surfshark VPN are also worth taking a look at. They do tick all the right boxes, but, in truth, none come close to matching ExpressVPN.
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How to stream the National Television Awards
Once you have chosen your VPN, you just need to set things up. Daunting, I know, which is why I have compiled this simple step-by-step guide for you to follow:
Step 1
Go to the ExpressVPN website and sign up for their annual deal. This comes with a 49% discount and an extra three months free and offers exceptional value for money.
Step 2
Download and install the ExpressVPN app from either your device’s app store or their official website for security reasons.
Step 3
Log in to the ExpressVPN app using the new account details you were given in Step 1.
Step 4
In the app, click the Selected Location option, choose a server located in the United Kingdom, and click the Connect button to establish a connection.
Watch the event anywhere using ExpressVPN.
Step 5
Open the ITVX website or app and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up easily and for free. After that, just look up the National Television Awards in their content library, and you are all set.
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What are the National Television Awards?
The National Television Awards (NTAs) are a prestigious annual event in the United Kingdom that celebrates excellence in the television industry.
Established in 1995, the NTAs have become a significant occasion for both television professionals and viewers alike. The awards recognise outstanding achievements in various categories, including drama, entertainment, comedy, and reality television.
The NTAs are unique because they are determined by the public’s votes rather than industry experts, making them a true reflection of popular opinion.
Viewers across the UK participate in selecting their favourite shows, actors, and presenters through a public voting system.
Over the years, the NTAs have evolved into a star-studded red-carpet event, attracting some of the biggest names in British television. It serves as a platform to showcase the industry’s finest talent and provides a glimpse into the nation’s TV preferences.
The National Television Awards hold a special place in British television history, capturing the essence of the nation’s love for TV and honouring the exceptional contributions of its stars and creators.
Who to look out for this year?
To date, the biggest name associated with the National Television Awards is someone who won’t be there this year, as scandal-hit Philip Schofield will not be hosting for the first time in several years.
However, popular comedian and TV presenter Joel Dommett will be leading proceedings, and the stars of some of our biggest and most popular TV shows will be joining him to present (and receive) awards.
Both Happy Valley and Stranger Things are in the hunt for Best Returning Drama while The Traitors, Love Island, and Race Across the World battle it out for Best Reality Series.
Best TV Presenter is always a hotly fought contest with this year’s nominees including, Alison Hammond, Ant & Dec, Bradley Walsh, Claudia Winkleman, and Martin Lewis. Hammond will surely be the big favourite for this one.
Sarah Lancashire and James Norton are up for Best Drama Performance for Happy Valley alongside Brenda Blethyn (Vera), Judy Parfitt (Call the Midwife), and India Amarteifio (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.) Got to be Sarah Lancashire for me!
The Best Sitcom award sees Brassic, Ghosts, Ted Lasso, and Young Sheldon up for the gong, while the top talent show award will go to one of Britain’s Got Talent, Strictly Come Dancing, The Great British Bake Off, or The Great British Sewing Bee.
In soaps, Coronation Street, Eastenders, Hollyoaks, or Emmerdale will win top gong, and you can expect all of the big names from soap world to be in attendance.
Summary
The National Television Awards is the biggest award show in British TV, so if you are a fan and want to see how your favourite show does in the court of public opinion, this is one award ceremony you won’t want to miss.
All the biggest names will be there, and all the best and most popular shows are likely to be up for something. Which will walk off with the top gongs? The only way to find out is to watch.
If you are overseas, that is a problem as the National Television Awards are only shown on ITV 1 and the ITVX streaming service, which is not available outside the UK.
That means that you will need to use a VPN to watch where you are. ExpressVPN is the best one to choose from.
Just sign up for ExpressVPN, download the app, connect to a UK-based server, and then watch on the ITVX website or app as usual.
I am an ex-pat, and this tried-and-tested model will ensure that you have no problem enjoying the National Television Awards from anywhere in the world.
✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Quick to set up
✔ Money back guarantee
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