Sir David Jason appeared at the British Soap Awards tonight where he presented the Best British Soap award this evening to EastEnders, which won big on the night

Sir David Jason had fans all saying the same thing – as he appeared at the British Soap Awards tonight. The legendary actor was on hand to present the Best British Soap award this evening.

The soap awards actually took place on Saturday but they were broadcasted on ITV this evening – and after a delay due to a technical error, the awards got underway. David handed over the Best Soap award to EastEnders, who were the big winners tonight.

As David arrived on stage to present the award, the soap stars were seen in awe – and it was clear viewers felt the same.

One fan wrote: “The legendary Sir David Jason walking out to screams of excitement and admiration was incredible, the atmosphere was truly electric. Couldn’t have wished for a better person to announce the winner,” whilst a second added: “Great to see Sir David Jason on the #BritishSoapAwards tonight. What an absolute legend!!”

“Huge congratulations to EastEnders and how well does Sir David Jason look !! What a legend #britishsoapawards,” a third said, with a fourth adding: “I teared up seeing David Jason.” A fifth wrote: “N’awww a standing ovation for Sir David Jason.”

David previously opened up about how he had to part ways with his helicopter with “extreme reluctance” as he struggled with his physical health. He said: “You need your hips, legs and knees to be in pretty tip-top condition for helicopter flying.

“Also your arms and shoulders. It’s rather like playing a drum kit in that regard, although the consequences of getting out of time during the second verse are quite a bit graver.”

He added: “I realised I was getting increasingly uncomfortable up there in the air. Having to push the physical part of the task was taking some of the joy out of it. Clearly it was time to step away while I was still capable of stepping.”

David also explained how that was such a big part of his life – and it had been his “most satisfying accomplishment”.

“Flying that helicopter was a big part of my life. It was a lot of fun, obviously, but also just the most satisfying accomplishment. Some people have the piano, and some people have oil painting. I had the helicopter and it’s over now, but I’ll always be proud that I can call myself a qualified helicopter pilot,” he explained of his love of flying a helicopter.

Back in 2023, David also opened up about his health as he admitted his concerns over his memory and his physical health.

“My memory isn’t what it used to be … Most of us reach this point when things aren’t quite as bright as they used to be,” he said as he discussed his hip replacement and his general health, “Mind you, I don’t wear a hearing aid, I don’t wear glasses, and I’ve only had to replace one bit of my body, so I’m not doing too bad.”

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