The National Television Awards 2023 aired from the O2 Arena on Wednesday night, with a host of big names from British telly in attendance for the star-studded bash

The National Television Awards broadcasted what appeared to be a significant mishap.

London’s O2 Arena lit up on Wednesday night (September 11) as the biggest stars of British TV joined for the glamorous event. Comedian Joel Dommett took on the hosting duties for the evening, which launched at 8pm on ITV, with celebrities in attendance eagerly anticipating if they’d take home the sought-after trophies.

Yet it seems for one category, the anticipation might have been spoilt early 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 Serial Drama Performance Award for his moving performance.

His competition consisted of names like Angela Wynter of EastEnders, David Neilson his fellow Corrie actor, Diane Parish also from EastEnders, and Emmerdale’s Eden Taylor-Draper. Upon accepting the award, an elated Peter expressed his affection for his colleagues stating: “I love you all so much.”, reports the Daily Star.

However, this heartwarming segment was preceded by some viewer confusion caused by an on-air gaffe; during the leadup to another category – Reality Competition – footage of Peter’s on-screen character Paul popped up, despite nominee Race Across The World being mentioned. This misstep didn’t go unnoticed as shortly after, Peter was officially announced as the Drama award recipient, leading fans at home to speculate about the error noted during the live ceremony.

One eagle-eyed fan speculated on social media: “Guess we know Corrie winning best soap then,” while another perplexed viewer queried: “Why was Paul on my screen there? “. Viewers were left baffled by a sudden and unexpected image during the show, with one person posting online: “the random picture of paul from corrie? ? ? ? “. Another was equally perplexed, asking: “Why did a dying Paul just pop up on our screens? calm down itv”.

The incident occurred shortly after host Joel Dommett’s opening act at the ceremony faced backlash. Social media users flocked to platforms to criticise the introductory performance that featured Joel singing. Joel’s musical extravaganza included nods to various celebrities and their nominated shows, with appearances from Davina McCall, Bradley Walsh, Ant and Dec, and even Strictly Come Dancing’s judge Anton Du Beke, who joined in for a jazz routine.

Online reactions ranged from disappointment to outright disdain, with comments like: “Most painful intro in some time! #NTAs.” and “That was horrendous Joel.” Critics didn’t hold back, with remarks such as: “The singing intro thing only really works when it’s someone that can actually sing,” and more bluntly, “What the actual f**k is this? ” One viewer simply called it “Oh how corny.” Despite the criticism, Joel managed to poke fun at himself during his performance, quipping: “So much talent to celebrated, me? I’ve not been nominated!”