Sir Lenny Henry applauded by NTAs viewers for queue gag moments after Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s win

Sir Lenny Henry’s gag about David Beckham and the queue for the Queen’s lying-in-state didn’t go unnoticed by viewers of the National Television Awards.

The TV icon was honoured with the special recognition award for his incredible career, and took to the stage to make a powerful speech.

He started it by saying: ‘This is so crazy, thank you so much. I know some of you were just trying to leave. These awards are so long, man, David Beckham’s still outside queuing to get in.’

He was, of course, referencing how footballer David queued for 13 hours to see the Queen lying in state following her death.

Many viewers were quick to point out that he made the joke moments after Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield accepted the daytime award along with their This Morning co-stars.

They had faced backlash after being accused of jumping the queue, although they later responded in a statement, saying they had been there as part of the world’s media, had not taken anyone’s place, and would never jump a queue.

One viewer said: ‘Lenny Henry with the queue jumping joke!!! YESSSSSS,’ while another added: ‘He did a queue joke, haha yes Lenny!’

‘Do you think Lenny had a little dig at Holly & Phil about David Beckham being still in the queue?’ one more said.

Sir Lenny was honoured with the special recognition award (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Elsewhere in his speech, TV mainstay Sir Lenny looked back on his incredible career, and spoke out about Black representation on British TV.

Sir Lenny’s career started out with a victory on New Faces at the age of 16, going on to helm his own sketch comedy series and being an essential part of the formation of Comic Relief.

Since, he’s landed roles in Harry Potter, Broadchurch, and most recently, Prime Video’s The Rings of Power.

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Sir Lenny couldn’t resist a reference to the queue,