Theresa May’s Brexit speech relegated to BBC2 by FA Cup tie between Southampton and Derby

SOUTHAMPTON'S FA Cup tie with Derby on Wednesday night forced Theresa May's speech to be moved from BBC1.

The British Prime Minister was due to address the nation at 10pm after another day of Brexit turmoil.

But the speech was moved to BBC2 because of extra-time at St Mary's Stadium.

Southampton and Derby couldn't be separated after 90 minutes in their FA Cup third round replay.

And the 30-minute extra-time period kicked off shortly before 9.45pm, meaning the UK leader had to make way.

BBC presenter Gary Lineker announced that the main channel would show the conclusion of the FA Cup clash, and that May would be speaking on BBC2.

Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond gave Southampton a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes to play at St Mary's.

But Harry Wilson and Martyn Waghorn struck two late goals for Frank Lampard's side, meaning the game went to extra-time.

That left BBC with a headache - but they stuck by the FA Cup tie on BBC1 they had shown from the beginning and left May on the second channel.

Derby prevailed after the drama of a penalty shoot-out on the south coast.

And maybe the BBC knew what was about to come with May's uneventful speech.

Speaking outside Downing Street, May said: "I understand that to people getting on with their lives, away from Westminster, the events of the past 24 hours will have been unsettling.

"Overwhelmingly, the British people want us to get on with delivering Brexit, and also address the other important issues they care about.

"But the deal which I have worked to agree with the European Union was rejected by MPs, and by a large margin.

"I believe it is my duty to deliver on the British people's instruction to leave the EU. And I intend to do so."