The British Soap Awards suffered a technical glitch this evening for ITV viewers as it didn’t air as planned and a message saying ‘Sorry for the disruption’ aired instead

The British Soap Awards suffered a technical glitch this evening for ITV viewers. Tonight, fans were left fuming when the soap award show didn’t air as planned. It was due to start at 8pm on ITV1 but did not air.

A message was instead shown to viewers that read: “We’re sorry for the disruption.” The problem was on both ITVX and for those tuning in on ITV1 on their televisions and fans rushed to social media to fume over the problem.

Angry viewers took to social media as they fumed: “Where are the #BritishSoapAwards, ITV? Is this because #EastEnders won everything?!” – as another wrote: “Not like we’ve been waiting all day for this. Cut it out, ITV! #britishsoapawards.”

Another wrote: “Welcome to the “We’re sorry for the disruption” awards I guess! #britishsoapawards,” with a fourth sharing: “#BritishSoapAwards Oh come on @ITV. Get on with the soap awards!! Just hope they show from the start. Bloody annoying!!”

Jane McDonald was back to host the show

The British Soap Awards took place over the weekend in London, but they always air a few days later on ITV. Jane McDonald was back to host after taking over the hosting duties from Phillip Schofield.

Host Jane McDonald said of her return: “I’m beyond excited to be hosting The British Soap Awards again as I had such a ball hosting the awards last time. You all know I love my soaps, so to be in a room giving recognition to all these wonderful actors and their fantastic hard work is simply joyous. I can’t wait to get my glittery frock on and celebrate with everyone.”

At the Soap Awards this year, EastEnders were the big winners, taking home several prizes including Best British Soap and Best Leading Performer for Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater. Villain of the Year also went to Navin Chowdhry, who played evil Nish Panesar – who died in dramatic scenes earlier this year.

The British Soap Awards are back after a year away, with the show airing on Thursday night ( 
Image:
ITV/Shutterstock)
Steve McFadden also reaped the awards for Phil Mitchell’s harrowing psychosis storyline. It won Best Single Episode whilst Steve also won Best Dramatic Performance for his portrayal of Phil.

Scene of the Year went to EastEnders for Angie Watts’ shock return amid the soap’s 40th anniversary, whilst Coronation Street’s David Neilson was presented the Outstanding Achievement Award by his former co-star Julie Hesmondhalgh.

Speaking before she was presented with the Scene of the Year award, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson said: “It was just perfect.” Asked if she’d come back, she added: “I don’t think so, although I should say never say never, it would have to be something special.”

Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, also added: “It was just brilliant, although none of us knew that she was coming back! We’ll need Ange back if anything ever happened to Kathy, not that I want it too.”