The Inbetweeners reunion special that aired on New Year’s Day was met with overwhelmingly negative responses – so bad, in fact, that one of the stars of the show has apologised in an emotional message.

Fwends Reunited, which marked the 10th anniversary of the cult sitcom’s debut, aired on 1 January on Channel 4. Jimmy Carr hosted the two-hour special, which wasn’t a new episode as many thought, but instead adhered to a chat show format.

Many viewers were disappointed when they realised the reunion special wasn’t, in fact, a new episode, and lamented the show’s format.

Some claimed it looked as though Buckley, Harrison, Thomas and Bird didn’t want to be there. Other complaints had to do with Jimmy Carr’s performance as hosts, with some wishing the four actors had been given a chance to speak more.

Buckley reacted to the criticism on Wednesday in a tweet, writing: “Feeling pretty hated right now. I’m sorry to anyone who feels let down with last night’s show.

“I’m especially upset as it really is the fans that made The Inbetweeners a success, it certainly wasn’t me.

“I might do an explanation video on my [YouTube], or might just leave it and move on #sorry.”

Harrison also appeared to address the negative feedback on Twitter.

He didn’t specifically refer to the show but wrote in what appeared to be an ironic update: “So, 2019 off to a good start.”

Negative tweets abounded in the hours after the show aired as viewers expressed their disappointment.

“Awkward moment when you think the #FwendsReunited was gonna be an actual episode instead of a chat show. What the hell is this?!” someone wrote.

Another person wondered: “Why does everyone seem like they don’t want to be there?”