This year’s event was presented by Jane McDonald for the second time


The show faced a delay in getting underway(Image: ITV)

British Soap Awards viewers were quick to make the same complaint minutes into ITV’s broadcast of the event following a delay.

Held at Hackney Empire in London on Saturday night (May 31), the annual event is a gathering of all the major soap stars.

Actors from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders and Hollyoaks were all in attendance after the Soap Awards skipped 2024.

The night got off to a rocky start, with viewers greeted with an apology message that stayed on the screen for over five minutes.

After having to wait five days for the broadcast, those who avoided spoilers had to wait even longer than they anticipated.

With background music playing, the message read: “We’re sorry for the disruption.”

The programme eventually began with a pre-recorded sketch featuring Loose Women star Charlene White, set in the ITV News studio.

Once the issue was sorted and the sketch was finished, Loose Women panelist Jane McDonald delivered a speech.

Jane was on presenting duties for the second time, having replaced Phillip Schofield as the evening’s host in 2023.

In a speech that lasted several minutes, Jane spoke about why Emmerdale is her favourite soap and poked fun at Martin Fowler’s Albert Square death.

Those watching at home were left feeling slightly frustrated with the wait to get to the actual awards, with many taking to X to air their frustrations.

@sukieshas said: “Can we gerron with the awards jane doll #BritishSoapAwards.” @RyanSoapKing25 added: “A 7 minute delay and 15 mins and we’ve had no awards yet #BritishSoapAwards.”

@d_a_v_e_m_a wrote: “Oh get on with it Jane lovey #britishsoapawards.” @LadyFerny stated: “Hurry up #britishsoapawards.”

@TheRealZoeMBE commented: “Jane McDonald is so iconic, get her to present all the award shows #BritishSoapAwards.” @TVMusings22 noted: “Haha Jane is cracking me up #BritishSoapAwards.”

The night was dominated by EastEnders, with the BBC series winning eight awards, including Best Soap for the 13th time.