British Soap Awards in chaos as bomb scare sparks emergency evacuation and stars flee London's Hackney Empire
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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 revellers were ordered to leave the venue just before 1am.
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Stars including Tina O'Brien leaving the British Soap Awards last night
Credit: James Curley
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Jack P Shepherd and fiancee Hanni Treweek
Credit: James Curley
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.
Attendees eventually drifted home as the building remained off-limits.
The Sun has contacted ITV and the Met police for comment.
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