Those watching The Xtra Factor Live on Sunday night might have thought something had happened to their television sets as they lost connection for a short while.

However, it turned out to be just a minor technical glitch and presenter Rylan Clark-Neal was forced to apologise live on-air for the hold-up.

The programme, which airs directly after The X Factor on ITV2, saw the Overs contestants taking part in a panel discussion with Rylan and his co-host Matt Edmondson, but the broadcast cut out completely for several seconds.

Rylan Clark-Neal and Matt Edmondson
Rylan Clark-Neal and Matt Edmondson (Matt Crossick/PA)

A screen showing the ITV logo and the words “Greenwich Data Centre Switch” popped up in the interim.

Once back on-air, and to a confused nation of TV fans, Rylan said: “Before we move on, we have just been told… I’m so sorry if you lost your picture during the last part… don’t worry, Simon will sack them.”

Keeping it light-hearted, Matt added: “Don’t get a new telly!”

Despite being a small technical hitch, fans at home noticed and took to Twitter to air their confusion and concerns.

However, most people were left tweeting about the night’s other big talking point: that love-her-or-hate-her rapper Honey G is returning to the competition for Judges’ Houses after previously being booted.

The Harrow-based contestant is filling in for Ivy Grace Paredes, who has had to leave the show due to visa issues.