The hottest night in the British soap calendar hit our screens on Tuesday night, as the 2023 edition of The British Soap Awards once again returned to ITV.
The star-studded event took place at The Lowry Theatre in Salford on Saturday evening, with some of the biggest names from EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Doctors all out in force as they hoped to scoop one of the awards on offer.
Presented this year by Jane McDonald, the veteran TV star stepped into the role at the last minute as she took over from Phillip Schofield, who has resigned from ITV amid his ongoing saga.
Describing the gig as her “dream job”, Jane welcomed the stars to the awards as she said: “I’ve got to say I am a massive fan of the soaps so this is my dream job.
“Welcome to you all, thank you for having me.”
Referencing their location, close to the set of Coronation Street, Jane then told the audience of actors: “We’re here in Salford’s stunning Lowry theatre just a stone’s throw from some very famous cobbles.
“We’re so close to the Rovers that you can still smell Betty’s hotpot.”
As the ceremony unfolded on screen, fans at home were no doubt entranced by the scenes playing out on camera, but several key moments didn’t make it into the pre-recorded broadcast.
We’ve rounded up some of the best unseen moments below:
'Missing' cast members
As previously mentioned, the show isn’t broadcast live, but it is filmed as if it is, with the presenters making several links as if the show is being broadcast with ad breaks.
This means that while the show is filmed with several breaks, the guests actually have to remain seated in the intervals rather than getting up to stretch their legs or grab a quick bathroom break.
Despite the rules, it didn’t stop some cast members from taking a moment to step away from their seats, allowing professional seat fillers to quickly hop into any spaces so the auditorium always looked full.
While many fans would be none the wiser to the change, several eagle eyed viewers did notice that the seating arrangements appeared to change throughout the show as the cast kept swapping seats with each other.
Thankfully, however, nobody was ever seated too far away from their designated seats, so that the camera could still pick up the reactions of the stars for every nominee and eventual winner.
Jane's return to the British Soap Awards
When Jane McDonald stepped in to present the British Soap Awards at the last minute, fans were initially unsure of what to expect from the star.
However, as the British Soap Awards got underway it swiftly became clear that Jane was the breath of fresh air the show had needed, with both attendees and viewers all commending her performance.
Several audience members were so impressed in fact, one even shouted out to her to ask if she’d be willing to return next year – something she said she’d be happy to do if the show bosses would have her!
Jane’s presenting duties were only revealed in the days running up to the 2023 ceremony, with the former Loose Women star taking to social media to share her excitement over the news.
Speaking on Instagram she shared: "Oh my god…..everyone knows how much I LOVE my soaps, this year I’ve been honoured to be mentioned in Corrie, EastEnders and Emmerdale, so this is just a dream come true.
"I can’t wait to see all our wonderful soap nominees and celebrate all their hard work with them – roll on the awards, I can’t wait!"
Jane’s sweet moment with Ross Adams
One of Jane’s biggest fans at this year’s shows, was Hollyoaks' Scott Drinkwell star Ross Adams, who could barely contain his excitement at the news that one of his favourite stars would be leading the show.
Speaking about the news ahead of the ceremony, Hollyoaks star Nikki Sanderson explained: “Ross Adams is like her biggest fan ever, as soon as he found out he was completely fangirling about it.
“So it’s really exciting for us that she’s doing it but really exciting for Ross.”
Things were made even more poignant later in the ceremony itself, when Jane asked to sit on Ross’ knee during one segment to present the best on-screen partnership, something he jokingly teased was the two of them in scenes that did make it into the broadcast.
Awkward name blunder
Blunders don’t often make it into the final edit, but one awkward moment that made it into the final broadcast was The Traitors' finalist Wilfred Webster’s mispronunciation of Aaron Thiara's (Ravi from EastEnders) name.
The Traitors star was presenting the award for best villain, when he made the unfortunate gaffe.
Clearly tickled by the mistake, the cast of Emmerdale promptly burst out laughing as they teased their co-star for his “new name” much to the amusement of guests in attendance.
However, a few moments later when he announced Aaron had won the award, Will appeared to correct his mistake and pronounce the star’s name correctly.
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