The documentary 'Our Girls: The Southport Families' has won the award for Best Authored Documentary at this year's National Television Awards (NTAs). The win was a powerful moment, with Metro's Sabrina Barr, who attended the ceremony, describing it as a 'really emotional moment which left the attendees in tears'.
The documentary followed the parents of three young girls – Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 – who lost their lives in the 2024 Southport attack. The award was presented by Holly Willoughby, who said before reading the nominees: 'I don't know how you choose between these.' The girls' families and the documentary producers who were present to accept the award received a standing ovation from attendees.
Families' emotional acceptance speech
As they took the award from Holly, the parents acknowledged that the vote wasn't for them but rather for their children, and they asked everyone to keep their girls in their hearts. 'I can't believe I'm stood here,' said Jenni Stancombe, the mother of Elsie Dot Stancombe. 'This is a documentary that should never have been made.' The documentary team also thanked those at BBC Breakfast for telling their story.
When the award was announced, those watching the NTAs at home flooded social media with support. '@2001joe_mendy wrote on X: 'A big well done to the team of Our Girls: The Southport Families on winning the Authored Documentary award. And all the love in the world to the families who were horribly affected by the events of Southport 2 years ago.'
Social media reaction and other NTA winners
@georginafarnall was similarly moved, writing: 'Our Girls' acceptance speech was so heartbreaking; these poor families.' @fadeeeintoyou added: 'The standing ovation for the families I am in tears,' while @bosdovja92 said: 'Seeing the pain in those parents' eyes. So surreal to think over 2 years have passed. Those poor babies.' @SamStanier3 put it best when she wrote: 'Your little girls will never be forgotten.'
Other winners at the 2026 NTAs included Michael McIntyre's Big Show for the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award, I Fought the Law for New Drama, Gogglebox for Factual Entertainment, Jeff Hordley for Serial Drama Performance, Clarkson's Farm for Reality Docuseries, This Morning for Daytime, Sir David Attenborough for TV Presenter, Celebrity Traitors for Reality Competition, 1% Club for Reality Quiz, Mrs Brown's Boys for Comedy, Vicky McClure for Drama Performance for Trigger Point, Strictly Come Dancing for Talent Show, Call the Midwife for Returning Drama, Emmerdale for Serial Drama, and Alan Carr for Special Recognition.
Context of the Southport attack
The Southport attacker Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years for the murders of Alice, Bebe King, and Elsie. Sentencing him, Judge Justice Goose said: 'Many who have heard the evidence might describe what he did as evil; who could dispute it?' The documentary's win serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and the families' ongoing grief, with the public's response underscoring the lasting impact of the girls' story.
