The National Television Awards was sent into chaos last night after it seemed to reveal the winner of the Serial Drama Performance Award moments before it was meant to.
Comedian Joel Dommett hosted the ceremony last night, with celebrities flocking to their seats, eagerly awaiting to see if they’d take home the sought-after trophies.
The nominations for the category this year were Angela Wynter, EastEnders, David Neilson, Coronation Street, Diane Parish, EastEnders, Eden Taylor-Draper, Emmerdale, and Peter Ash, Coronation Street.
Whilst many were excited to find out who had taken home the award, the anticipation was spoilt when the supposed winner was prematurely revealed on TV screens before the official announcement.
Coronation Street actor Peter Ash, who portrayed the late Paul Foreman and recently succumbed on-screen to Motor Neurone Disease, clinched the award for his moving performance.
During the lead up to announcing the winners for the Reality Competition award – which went to The Traitors – footage of Peter’s on-screen character popped up, despite nominee Race Across The World being mentioned.
This blunder didn’t go unnoticed as shortly after, Ash was officially announced as the award recipient, leading fans at home to speculate about the error noted during the live ceremony.
Taking to X, one fan speculated: “Guess we know Corrie winning best soap then.”
“Why was Paul on my screen there?” another perplexed viewer queried, before a third agreed: “The random picture of Paul from Corrie?”
Someone else asked: “Why did a dying Paul just pop up on our screens? Calm down ITV.”
“Did ITV accidentally play the wrong tape and reveal who won serial drama?…..” a fifth penned before another replied: “Omg I thought this… could be an innocent mistake but highly unlikely.” (sic)
Upon accepting the award, an elated Ash began: “I love you all so much. This is incredible, thank you so much to everyone who voted, I mean that from the bottom of my heart. What an amazing way to end my six years on Coronation Street.”
He added: “A massive thanks to the MND Association who helped us with this storyline from day one and have been there making sure we get this right and portray it well. Please do support them if you can, they do amazing work. One day we need to find a cure.
“To my amazing Corrie colleagues, I love you all so much. The biggest thank you to Daniel Brocklebank, I love you mate. I couldn’t have wished for anyone better to have done this storyline with. A true friend for life I’ve made with you Dan.”
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Ash’s win comes after his on-screen character died on Monday, September 9, and left viewers in floods of tears as the long-running soap aired the end of his impactful MND storyline.
Paul took his final breath while his husband Billy Mayhew (played by Daniel Brocklebank) frantically tried to reach him after losing his mobile phone during a night out with David Platt (Jack P Shepherd).
Tragically, Billy didn’t get the chance to say a proper farewell to his soulmate. Paul’s storyline has received critical acclaim, winning Best Storyline at the 2024 Radio Times Soap Awards.
