viewers

ITV viewers have slammed the channel as the service crashed – stopping them watching The British Soap Awards 2025.

Soap fans were tuning into watch the awards ceremony, which was meant to start at 8pm.

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But the programme was delayed by seven minutes with just a message from the broadcaster and a black screen.

The message read: “We’re sorry for the disruption.”

Fans were quick to take to social media with their complaints.

One wrote: “What the hell is going on ? Will it ever come on?”

A second said: “Oh dear looks like we got major problems on ITV1.”

A third commented: “Well, I guess I am not watching The Soap Awards on ITVX. What’s going on?”

Despite the delay, the ceremony, which was filmed earlier this week, kicked off with Jane McDonald hosting for a second year.

It comes after Coronation Street were brutally snubbed at the awards as they failed to pick up any of the previously announced awards at this year’s ceremony.

The annual soap event made a return this year after ITV mysteriously axed the contest in 2024.

But it was bad news for Coronation Street as the programme suffered a devastating loss after managing to bag just the specially curated Outstanding Achievement Award which went to Roy Cropper star David Neilson.

The show failed to secure wins in any of the main panel or viewer-voted categories amid ITV’s ongoing cash crisis and the mass cast exodus at the soap over the past six months.

Its ITV counterpart Emmerdale also faced a crushing blow ahead of the impending ITV schedule changes which will see 30 minutes worth of each programme cut a week from January 2026.

BBC rival EastEnders swept the board after collecting a total of eight gongs in its 40th anniversary year – more than double its nearest rival, Channel 4’s Hollyoaks who got three awards.

EastEnders was awarded Best Soap after its huge live episode and anniversary week which saw Anita Dobson return as Angie Watts and Martin Fowler killed off in the arms of his love, Stacey.

It was certainly not the only award that they picked up with actress Lacey Turner receiving the trophy for Best Leading Performer ahead of her impending exit from the show.

The 40th anniversary also managed to clutch the Scene of the Year thanks to Angie’s shock return.

Steve McFadden a won a trophy for Best Dramatic Performance as Phil Mitchell but did not attend the ceremony with Angela Wynter and Rudolph Walker also receiving prizes as Patrick and Yolande – beating Corrie fan favourites Lisa Swain and Carla Connor, affectionately known as Swarla, to the Best On-Screen Partnership award.

The Walford based soap also collected the Comedy Performance gongs and Villain of the Year.

In a major blow to Coronation Street, only David Neilson picked up the Outstanding Achievement Award as Roy Cropper which was presented to him by by his on-screen wife Julie Hesmondhalgh.

British Soap Awards 2025: Winners List

Here’s who took home trophys at the 2025 British Soap Awards

Best Single Episode – Eastenders: Phil’s Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985

Best Young Performer – Emmerdale – Amelia Flanagan as April Windsor

Scene Of The Year – Eastenders: Angie Watts’ Shock Return

Best Newcomer – Hollyoaks: Isabelle Smith as Frankie Osborne

Villain Of The Year – Eastenders: Navin Chowdhry as Nish Panesar

Best Family – Hollyoaks: The Osbornes

Best Dramatic Performance – Eastenders: Steve McFadden as Phil
Mitchell

Best On-Screen Partnership – Eastenders: Rudolph Walker & Angela
Wynter as Patrick & Yolande Trueman

Outstanding Achievement Award – Coronation Street: David Neilson

Best Comedy Performance – Eastenders: Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson

The Tony Warren Award – Emmerdale: Mike Plant

Best Storyline – Hollyoaks: Sibling Sexual Abuse

Best Leading Performer – Eastenders: Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater

Best British Soap – Eastenders

Hollyoaks managed to win three awards with Isabelle Smith winning as Best Newcomer with The Osbourne family taking home Best Family and the sibling sexual abuse storyline being named Best Storyline.

Emmerdale managed just two awards with Amelia Flanagan beating her Corrie star brother Will to the Best Young Performer prize.

Mike Plant, one of the show’s camera operators, picked up the prestigious off-screen Tony Warren Award accolade for his contributions to the soap behind the scenes.

ITV’s crushing defeats come amid a period of unrest backstage at the shows.

Both Corrie and Emmerdale have lost a number of stars over the past 12 months amid cuts at the channel.

In particular, Coronation Street has faced increasing criticism of its far-fetched storylines and dwindling viewer interest in many of its plots.

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This Morning viewers were left unimpressed on Monday’s show as they slammed a segment involving two dogs dressed in Bridgerton outfits.

Viewers of This Morning were left outraged by a segment featured in Monday’s programme.

Upon resuming their presenting roles after a week off, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley greeted two pooches on the ITV show, suitably dolled up as characters from the popular Netflix series Bridgerton.

The pair of pups had bagged accolades at the latest Greenwich dog show for their uncanny resemblance to the regency styles showcased in Best Bridgerton Lookalike category.

Lola, the winner, donned an elegant blue gown with a perched crown atop her wig—a sight to behold, with her owner making sure it stayed put.

Charlotte, the French Bulldog who nabbed second place, sported a blush pink frock coupled with a golden blonde wig, report Wales Online.

As the segment unfolded, Cat couldn’t contain her laughter over the costumes and extended her kudos, although the lighthearted atmosphere didn’t translate to the audience at home.

People on X, previously known as Twitter, promptly voiced their dismay, labelling the canine costuming as ‘cruel’.

One person criticized: “Poor dressed up dog must be so hot with all that crap on! If you want something to dress up, buy a doll! So cruel! Makes me so angry.”

Echoing the sentiment, another shared: “Sorry that dog is not happy! #thismorning.”

Additionally, a viewer suggested: “I’d suggest, if you have to hold the costume on the dog at all times, it’s probably time to stop.”

Some animal lovers were left fuming after the segment, with one viewer tweeting: “ffs this is just ridiculous it’s animal cruelty that’s what it is…”

Another critic blasted: “This show is so twisted. Preaching one minute, the next showing this type of content. Perhaps get Dr Scott on at the same time!”

One concerned fan posted: “I hate seeing stuff like this encouraged on TV #ThisMorning” While another disgruntled viewer commented: “This is just ridiculous….. Just let you dogs be f****ng dogs and not an attempt to make you relevant.”

However, not everyone was opposed to the segment, with one amused viewer simply tweeting: “2 Victorian Dogs. Ah Ha.”

During the chat with the owner, it emerged that Lola had attempted to remove her crown before going on air, with Cat observing: “She seems very happy! Both of them seem so happy.”

The owner agreed: “Yes, I think she’s alright now, she’s settled.”

Ben then raised the issue of animal welfare, asking: “There will be people asking, ‘Are the dogs happy?’ because dressing dogs up can sometimes get some criticism. Are they happy wearing the outfits? She seems pretty unbothered.”

Charlotte’s owner explained that her pet was accustomed to wearing clothes, saying: “She’s pretty used to wearing clothes in general; when we go out, I tend to dress her up and try to coordinate our outfits.”

This Morning continues weekdays on ITV from 12:30pm

BBC Bargain Hunt viewers flocked to Twitter as the latest instalment of the beloved antiques show aired – and they were united in their frustration over the same issue

Bargain Hunt aficionados were left feeling miffed as they settled down for the latest instalment of the fan-favourite BBC show.

The episode whisked viewers away to Norfolk, specifically King’s Lynn and Swaffham, with stalwart auctioneer and TV personality Charlie Ross steering the ship alongside antiques aficionados Caroline Hawley and David Fergus.

However, no sooner had Charlie introduced the competing red and blue teams than did fans take to social media to express a sense of déjà vu plaguing the programme.

Disgruntled viewer took their frustration online, stating on X: “Bargain Hunt is so predictable. Needs a total shake up. Get rid of Charlie Ross would be first #bargainhunt.”

Complaints didn’t stop there, with another viewer chiming in during their midday break: “Just sat down at home to have some lunch with the wife before moving on to my next job and she’s watching Bargain Hunt on @BBC – I cannot believe that utter drivel is still going and it’s not changed since it first started!”, reports Cornwall Live.

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An additional comment came from a disappointed fan: “@BBCBargainHunt love this programme but editing a bit off today.”

Within the episode’s narrative, we saw team members Kerri and Lorraine of the red team compete against Bruno and Tom of the blue team, all set on snagging profits from their antique finds procured at a King’s Lynn fair before hitting the auction block.

The red team’s eclectic mix of items, including a Norwegian brooch, a vintage typewriter, and some dinner-service china, sadly failed to rake in the expected cash, culminating in a disappointing £40 loss.

Despite their items not making a profit and ending up £58 down, Lorraine stayed cheery, commenting: “Ah well, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!” The blue team had banked on a vintage table football game, a captivating blue vase, and a duo of silver treasures to win over the bidders.

As Charlie declared the winners, the red team could not contain their excitement, which led to Charlie responding with amusement: “Shrieks of delight! So much joy despite not even making a profit.”

During the programme, viewers were treated to Dr Sue Gattuso’s intriguing stories about Howard Carter, shared with presenter Charlie Ross, revealing the exciting chronicles of the local legend and his significant find of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.

Charlie took a deep dive into the world of the celebrated Swaffham archaeologist, as the episode played out amidst Norfolk’s picturesque backdrop.

Good Morning Britain viewers were left furious after a heated debate was broadcast on Thursday morning

Good Morning Britain viewers issued a complaint as an “excruciating” debate unfolded on the show on Thursday (May 29).

This morning’s broadcast saw presenters Ed Balls and Susanna Reid tackle the day’s top stories, both domestically and globally, on the popular ITV show.

At one point, they began debating the current doctors’ strike after health secretary Wes Streeting warned that resident doctors would “choke” the NHS by going back on strike.

In a BBC interview, the MP urged resident doctors to “work with the government” and warned strikes risked hampering the progress being made in the NHS.

Last week, it was announced that resident doctors, the new name for junior doctors, would be getting a 5.4% average pay rise this year – more than other doctors, nurses and teachers.

But they have said it’s not enough to make up for below-inflation pay awards since 2008.

GMB hosts Ed and Susanna invited Dr Ross Nieuwoudt from the resident doctors’ committee and Reem Ibrahim from the Institute of Economic Affairs onto the programme to delve into the contentious issue, reports Bristol Live.

“I absolutely believe in markets, but the NHS is not a market, it’s a socialised healthcare system. That is the fundamental point. If doctors want to be paid more, then let’s look at a social healthcare system,” Reem said.

“Let’s look at countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark that have public and private partnerships where there is competition.”

She added: “What I would like to see is the National Health Service as a whole, the spending that we’re using at the moment, being used more efficiently.”

Ross was quick to counter, asserting: “I think that’s a foolish thing to do. A canary in a coal mine is there to alert people of danger, and that’s what the strikes are doing.”

The debate soon escalated as Ed and Susanna joined the conversation, with tempers flaring on all sides.

Viewers tuning into the fiery exchange soon expressed their frustation on X (formerly Twitter), criticising the segment’s confrontational tone.

One viewer questioned: “Why are they shouting??” while another commented: “Why is Ed Balls getting angry here? So unprofessional.”

Another exasperated viewer remarked: “This is excruciating,” and one more asked: “Can you explain please why Ed Balls’s questioning and response to the young lady was more aggressive than to the BMA representative. Seems to forget he’s now supposed to be balanced as an interviewer and his political bias as a labour minister put on the back burner.”

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am

This Morning fans were left unimpressed with presenter Alison Hammond after a comment she made to JoJo Siwa on the ITV show.

Alison Hammond faced backlash from This Morning viewers following a comment she made to JoJo Siwa during Monday’s show.

The episode saw Alison co-hosting with Paddy McGuiness as they cut to Chris Hughes, who was reporting live from Bexhill.

Chris was there to speak with 90-year-old Barby Keel, the owner of an animal sanctuary.

The conversation took a turn when Chris’s Celebrity Big Brother co-star JoJo Siwa, who had just appeared on Lorraine’s ITV show, was brought into the discussion.

Alison exclaimed: “Listen, Chris, before you go, we’ve got someone who wanted to say a quick hello to you! Have a look at this.”

JoJo then popped up on screen, saying: “Hey Christopher!” As Chris and JoJo chatted, Chris mentioned that she would be visiting the Cotswolds with him the following week to meet his family, while also helping Barby with some tasks.

Paddy jumped in, playfully teasing Chris about his remark that JoJo gives him energy in the mornings, reports Wales Online.

Paddy joked: “Can I just ask, how do you know JoJo gives you energy in the Morning? What’s going on here? Hello! Hashtag awkward.”

Alison erupted into laughter at Paddy’s lighthearted jab at Chris before turning her attention to JoJo and saying: “Honestly, I’m so invested in you and Chris.”

Alison posed the question everyone was eager to have answered, she remarked: “I don’t care what anyone says, I want to know. I’m so invested! I love this little relationship; it’s beautiful, but just for the record, what is your relationship status with Chris right now?”

JoJo hesitated slightly before replying: “Erm, I will say he is up there as one of my favourite people in the entire world-” However, her response was swiftly intercepted by Alison, who cheekily added: “With benefits.”

The candid remark sparked a strong reaction among viewers, with many expressing discomfort at Alison’s forthrightness.

One viewer pleaded: “Please stop this JoJo and Chris segment on #ThisMorning.” Others echoed the sentiment, with one commenting: “I love a laugh n all that, but that was a crass comment by Alison re JoJo and Chris’ relationship.”

Another chimed in, saying: “Leave Jojo alone. Alison that was uncalled for.” The discussion clearly didn’t resonate with all viewers, as one wrote: “I find this whole thing with JoJo and Chris nauseating. @ITV and @thismorning just need to drop it. It’s not cute it’s embarrassing. #thismorning.”

Another viewer described the start of the show as “Messy and awkward start #ThisMorning.”

JoJo chose not to address Alison’s comment, instead focusing on the positive impact Chris had on her life, revealing he made her happier than she’d ever been.

This Morning is available to watch on ITVX.

Good Morning Britain sparked reaction online from ITV viewers after showbiz editor Richard Arnold shared ‘special’ baby news live on air about Peppa Pig’s mother

Good Morning Britain fans were left scratching their heads after Richard Arnold dropped some ‘special’ baby news on the show.

On Monday’s (May 20) episode of ITV’s popular morning programme, presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid were joined by the showbiz guru, who hinted at having ‘special oinking news’ to share.

Richard announced: “I have some baby news for you, what a beautiful day it is today. Now, as you know, I’ve interviewed Hollywood stars, music icons, sporting legends but the nation has been gripped by my biggest ever exclusive chat with Mummy Pig, when she announced, if you remember, her pregnancy back in February.”

He added: “Over 60 million of you on TikTok have been following Mummy Pig and the rest of the pig family while they get ready to welcome their new addition. This was the interview where it all started.”

Revealing the big news, he said: “Since then, Mummy, Daddy and Baby Pig painted Battersea Power Station pink as they revealed the gender of their baby. Peppa and George will be welcoming a little sister and now, it brings me great joy to announce that she’s here!”, reports Bristol Live.

Susanna quickly chimed in with her congratulations, saying: “Aww, congratulations.”

Richard gushed: “It’s a beautiful thing, like I said, Daddy Pig has just shared these pictures with me of Peppa’s brand new baby sister Evie named after Mummy Pig’s Aunt Evie, she was born at 5:34am this morning, thankfully, just in time to watch her first ever Good Morning Britain.

“She’s certainly receiving the royal treatment so far with the town crier announcing her birth and a special plaque, how very royal, all the birthing details unveiled. Beautiful pictures here too, as you can see of the happy family.”

He continued: “Understandably, Mummy Pig is resting but Daddy Pig has let me know he will be free to catch up next week for his first ever TV interview and another glimpse of the new baby. You can find out when Peppa meets the baby this autumn.”

Susanna queried: “Do you know the weight?” To which Richard responded: “I don’t know the weight, I thought it might be a little bit invasive to ask at this stage.”

Susanna retorted: “People always ask the weight.” Richard quipped: “I was nearly ten pounds, you can imagine, it was all head because I’ve always had a smurf like body.”

Wrapping up the segment, Richard announced: “Great news and we will catch up with Daddy Pig next week.”

Confused viewers at home took to social media to express their surprise at the announcement. One viewer tweeted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Animated pigs ? OMG! This programme gets worse Seek professional help @GMB #GMB.”

One perplexed viewer remarked: “What the f**k is going on? Feel like I’m on drugs #GMB.”

Another posted: “Am I having a fever dream? A whole segment about a cartoon pig? Is this what we’ve become? ! ! #Gmb.”

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX

Eight years after its release, the film is gaining a second life on Netflix.

Netflix UK has added a real gem to its collection with the wartime drama Defiance, featuring the star power of James Bond’s Daniel Craig and Ray Donovan’s Liev Schreiber in an incredible true story from WWII.

Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber team up in the enthralling historical drama Defiance, the 2008 offering that’s been garnering a cult following and is now thrilling Netflix UK audiences who hail it as “one of the best films ever.”

Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Belarus, Defiance follows the extraordinary tale of the Bielski brothers – Tuvia, Zus, Asael, and Aron – four Jewish rebels who defiantly took on the Nazis by forming a vigilante group in the wilderness.

Based on Nechama Tec’s factual book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans, the film recounts their heroic saga of providing sanctuary to over 1,200 Jews in forest hideouts, building a veritable secret village threatened with constant jeopardy.

The cast features Daniel Craig as Tuvia Bielski, the group’s appointed head, whilst Liev Schreiber portrays his combative sibling Zus. Jamie Bell appears as their younger brother Asael, and a pre-1917 George MacKay plays the junior member of the clan, Aron, reports the Express.

Helmed by Edward Zwick of The Last Samurai fame, Defiance had its US debut just shy of the 2009 awards season and was tipped for an Oscar for Best Original Score by composer extraordinaire James Newton Howard, with a Golden Globe nod to match.

Filmed right in the heart of Lithuania, merely 200 kilometres from the original saga’s setting, ‘Defiance’ took storytelling to the next level, utilising authentic forest backdrops and even enlisting extras with personal ties to Jewish kin saved by the Bielskis.

The movie started off with a low key in selected theatres, but once it spread its wings for a wider showing, it managed to rake in an impressive $52 million across the globe. Reviewers sent out mixed signals, however, as time passed, it has only received more adulation from movie-goers.

A gleaming review on Letterboxd enthused: “Must watch 10/10. Whenever you have Daniel Craig (Bond) and Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) play two Nazi-hunting Jews navigating a group of a thousand displaced Belorussian Jews through the Yarden forest, facing the ultimate adversity – you have me sold”. Another chimed in with high praise: “Action-packed, great quotes, accurate, and a thrill ride from start to finish. You’ll be rethinking how powerful a sense of community is. (People forget! )”

Scores of cinema enthusiasts have lauded the film’s potent narrative, a blend of vast survival themes and deeply personal character journeys. Defiance further delves into the intense pressure of steering a multitude amidst dire straits, especially as the numbers swell from a mere band to a throng surpassing one thousand souls.

One viewer mused: “For me, one of the best films ever. So inspiring and tragic at the same time. Worth watching.”

Another queried its lack of wider acclaim, stating: “I still find it crazy that this film is not considered a modern classic, with its stunning cinematography, fantastic performances, and gripping story.”

Defiance can now be streamed on Netflix UK.

This Morning viewers were left unimpressed during a Kim Kardashian segment on Wednesday

This Morning viewers fumed “move on already” as they voiced the same grievance just minutes into Wednesday’s (May 14) programme.

At the outset of today’s show, presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard delved into the Kim Kardashian court drama.

The reality star appeared in court in Paris on Tuesday (May 13) as a witness in a burglary case dating back to 2016, when she was held up at gunpoint and had millions of dollars’ worth of jewellery taken from her.

Kim took the stand for over four hours, recounting the harrowing ordeal that saw her tied up in her luxury accommodation during Paris Fashion Week.

Cat and Ben caught up on the latest developments with criminologist David Wilson and reporter Saskya Vandoorne, who provided live updates from Assize Court, reports Wales Online.

“It was a really long and emotional day for Kim Kardashian. She spoke for almost five hours, most of that she did standing up. It was only right at the end that she was visibly drained that she asked to sit down,” Saskya explained.

She continued, highlighting a particularly moving moment: “One of the most emotional moments yesterday, really poignant, was when the alleged mastermind of the robbery, Aomar Ait Khedache, had written a letter to Kim Kardashian, asking her for forgiveness.

“That letter was read out in court, and Kim Kardashian responded to it and said that she forgave him, that she believed in second chances.”

Back at ITV studios, David clarified that the trial was initially scheduled for 2021 but had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been a very long nine years for Kim Kardashian, knowing that eventually they were going to get there, and she was gonna have to give this very emotional testimony yesterday,” Ben commented.

The presenter wrapped up by saying: “We’ll carry on keeping an eye on that case as it develops.”

However, viewers of This Morning expressed their frustration as the segment lasted over 15 minutes.

“How much longer is this segment that we’re all clearly not interested in going to last?!” one viewer vented on X (formerly Twitter).

“Oh sweet lord, I’ll see you soon, can’t be doing this,” another chimed in, while a third complained: “Oh God seriously? Move on already, bored now.”

A fourth viewer echoed these sentiments, exclaiming, “Ffs! They’re actually doing a whole segment on this,” while another similarly said, “Let’s hear all the details yet again.” (sic)

This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10am

ITV viewers were completely stunned as a late soap legend was spotted on TV, eight months after she passed away.

The actress sadly died in her sleep at the age of 72 last year in her home city of Melbourne, Australia.

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Janet Andrewartha was best known for her role as Lyn Scully in the hit soap, Neighbours.

She first made her debut on the former Channel 5 serial drama back in 1999.

She had a number of on and off stints on Ramsay Street, before departing for the final time in 2019.

But less than three months after she received a cancer diagnosis, the star passed away in July of last year.

At the time, her friend – and Neighbours co-star – Jackie Woodburne paid a heartfelt tribute to her pal.

She said: “[Janet] was one of the finest actors of a generation. I will miss her every day.”

However, viewers were shocked to see her appear on-screen once again in the ITV drama, Fake.

The show focuses on a smart magazine writer named Birdie (Asher Keddie) who seems to have found her ideal match.

On a dating app, she meets a successful farmer, but she later discovers that all is not as it seems.

Viewers were pleasantly surprised to see that Janet popped up on screen in scenes that were filmed before her death.

She starred in the gritty series as, Kath Tovey, which is a supporting role.

Her Neighbours co-star Anne Charleston, 82, is known for playing the beloved Madge Bishop on the soap for decades from 1986.

She also appears in Fake in a supporting role as the character, Shirley Burt alongside Janet.

Anne recently made her return to Neighbours in a new role as part of Harold’s departure storyline.

This was after Ian Smith revealed that he was diagnosed with “a very aggressive non-fixable cancer.”

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