The British Soap Awards were thrown into disarray last night as a bomb threat prompted an emergency evacuation at London’s Hackney Town Hall.
Hosted by Jane McDonald, Sir David Jason, and Larry Lamb, the glittering ceremony took a chaotic turn when stars celebrating at the after party were told to evacuate just before 1am.
A source told the Mirror: “It was total panic. Security rushed around and told everyone to get out immediately. At first, they didn’t say why- but soon we were told there was a bomb threat. Everyone was left standing outside, confused and shocked.”
An ITV spokesperson confirmed: “Owing to a security alert after the recording of the awards, it was necessary to evacuate the after party venue. Everyone was cleared from the building safely.”
Video footage shared online showed soap stars, including EastEnders’ Tameka Empson and Hollyoaks’ Emmett J Scanlan, gathered on the street as crowds were ushered out of the venue.
Some guests were seen looking frustrated as security refused to let them back inside.
“It was surreal. One minute we were celebrating, the next we were out on the pavement wondering what was going on,” the said.
With the venue remaining off-limits for the rest of the night, attendees eventually made their way home.
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During the awards event, the red carpet saw plenty of glamour as stars including Patsy Palmer and Michelle Collins dazzled.
It was a tough night for Coronation Street, who failed to pick up any of the previously announced awards.
Meanwhile, Emmerdale also faced a setback just months before ITV plans to cut 30 minutes per week from its schedule starting January 2026.
EastEnders dominated the night, winning eight awards in its 40th anniversary year- more than double the haul of its closest rival, Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, who walked away with three trophies.
EastEnders took home Best Soap, following its milestone live episode and anniversary week that saw Anita Dobson return as Angie Watts and Martin Fowler killed off in the arms of Stacey.
The soap also won Best Leading Performer for Lacey Turner ahead of her impending departure from the show.
The 40th anniversary special secured Scene of the Year for Angie’s surprise return.
Steve McFadden earned Best Dramatic Performance as Phil Mitchell, though he did not attend the ceremony.
EastEnders also collected awards for Comedy Performance and Villain of the Year, rounding off a night of major wins.
A spokesman for the Met Police said: “At 00:49hrs on Sunday, June 1, police were called to Hackney Town Centre after a threat was made to the premises. The call was determined to be a hoax and nothing suspicious was located.”
