British Soap Awards in chaos as bomb scare sparks emergency evacuation and stars flee London’s Hackney Empire
THE British Soap Awards descended into chaos last night as a bomb threat sparked an emergency evacuation at London’s Hackney Empire.
The glitzy bash, hosted by Jane McDonald, Sir David Jason, and Larry Lamb, was thrown into turmoil when stars enjoying the bash were ordered to leave the venue 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.”
Video footage shared online shows soap royalty including EastEnders’ Tameka Empson and Hollyoaks hunk Emmett J Scanlan milling about on the street as crowds were ushered out of the iconic venue.
Some stars were seen steaming outside, clearly annoyed as security refused to let them back in.
“It was surreal. One minute we were celebrating, the next we were out on the pavement wondering what was going on,” the source added.
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Attendees eventually drifted home as the building remained off-limits.
The Sun has contacted ITV and the Met police for comment.
Earlier on in the evening Patsy Palmer and Michelle Collins lead the glamour as a host of stars turned out for the Soap Awards red carpet.
The Sun revealed ITV's celebration of all things soap would be returning - with Jane McDonald back at the helm.
Coronation Street was brutally snubbed at the bash as they failed to pick up any of the previously announced awards at this year’s ceremony.
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.
He did not attend the ceremony, which saw the Walford based soap also collecting the Comedy Performance gongs and Villain of the Year.
