Channel 4 apologises after dropping off air for five minutes

Channel 4 has apologised after technical glitches saw it appear to drop off air before returning with a mixed-up schedule.

Viewers posted messages on Twitter on Wednesday night (14 July) saying that the broadcaster went off air just before 8pm, then came back with an old episode of Love It Or List It instead of the new one.

Viewers tuning in saw a blue screen containing the show’s transmission details rather than the planned programme.

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And the problems didn’t stop there, with an error card apparently popping up instead of adverts.

Aisling Bea and Sharon Horgan's comedy This Way Up was also affected.

Viewers were confused, with one tweeting: “@channel4 you ok hun?”

“Channel 4 is broken!” tweeted another person, while one suggested that the broadcaster “has gremlins”.

“God help me if this happens when the F1 is on,” quipped another.

Channel 4 posted a string of messages on Twitter explaining that they were experiencing some difficulties.

“We're having some tech issues on C4 tonight - the eagle eyed amongst you may have spotted that some of our scheduling has gone awry,” the broadcaster said.

“We're very sorry about that and are doing all we can to sort it. In the meantime stand by for updates...”.

A second post said: “OK maybe we got that wrong! Sorry.... stand by for updates.... it's all fun and games this side, how's your evening?”

The channel then told viewers that This Way Up would start at 9.45pm.

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“Latest update: This Way Up is starting at 2145 (like NOW!)

"If this has scuppered your evening plans don't forget you can catch up on All4.

"NB This show contains very strong language and adult content.”

A follow up post went on: "...and here it is! This Way Up is on now.

"Remember, if you missed the beginning because of our scheduling issues this evening you can catch up on All4.”

Yahoo has contacted Channel 4 for comment.

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