A special concert took place at Horse Guards Parade on Thursday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day

BBC viewers said the same thing as they were left distracted minutes into the VE Day 80 concert on Thursday (May 8).

Eighty years ago today, celebrations erupted around the world to mark the end of World War II in Europe. Ever since, the UK has celebrated the historical moment up and down the country.

After several special events this week, the celebrations culminated tonight in a live concert from Horse Guards Parade in London.

Presented by Zoe Ball on BBC One and iPlayer, the special celebration featured performances from Fleur East, The Darkness, Freya Ridings and Samantha Barks.

Viewers were also treated to performances from several Strictly Come Dancing stars, John Newman, Tom Walker, The Darkness and Keala Settle.

VE Day 80 concert

A special VE Day 80 concert took place at Horse Guards Parade on Thursday (May 8) (Image: BBC)

However, a number of BBC viewers were left distracted as soap stars Emma Barton, Claire Sweeney and Michelle Hardwick brought the sounds of the 1940s to life with a tribute to the Andrews Sisters.

They sang a medley of hits, including In the Mood, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Sing, Sing, Sing.

During the performance, several viewers quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their confusion, with one person writing: “Is that Emma Barton (Honey Mitchell from #EastEnders) singing at the #VEDay80 concert?”

“The Darkness and Tyrone Dobbs’ Mum; who booked this concert?” another added, while a third said: “Watching @EmmaBarton as the Andrews Sisters #VEDay80.”

A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: “Emma Barton actress in EastEnders singing in the #VEDay80 concert.”

VE Day 80 concert

Claire Sweeney, Emma Barton and Michelle Hardwick performed as the Andrews Sisters (Image: BBC)

Meanwhile, other viewers praised the trio’s performance, with one writing: “Claire, Emma and Michelle were amazing,” and another adding: “How wonderful do the ladies sound.”

Speaking during a pre-recorded segment on tonight’s The One Show, the trio shared their excitement and anticipation ahead of the special concert.

“My lovely grandma, Mary, she’s still with us and she’s 90 this year. So, for me, knowing that she’s going to be at home watching this, is just fabulous,” said Michelle.

“It’s a real honour. I just hope I’m going to get through it without tearing up.”

Emma added: “I’ve watched so much footage on the BBC and it’s very, very emotional.”