With opinion polling data having differed so wildly over the course of the election campaign, all eyes were on the release of the exit poll.
When the numbers suggested we could be heading for a hung parliament, there was surprise among many – even seasoned pollsters.
Extraordinary exit poll. Let’s see what happens. Overall majority still possible. Going to be a long night
— Lord Ashcroft (@LordAshcroft) June 8, 2017
In 2015 the #ExitPoll had Conservatives on 316 and they eventually won 330. It's going to be a long night. #GE2017
— Joe Twyman (@JoeTwyman) June 8, 2017
But to most people it meant just one thing – they were going to have to stay up all night to watch the results coming in.
Just pondering whether I'll be able to get away with nap time in a Year 6 class tomorrow. Could be a long night!
— Michael Tidd (@MichaelT1979) June 8, 2017
We’re up all night, then.
— Rhodri Marsden (@rhodri) June 8, 2017
Looks like i'm up all night.
— Big Green Bookshop (@Biggreenbooks) June 8, 2017
Crikey Moses. Right. It's going to be a long night.
— Elizabeth Ammon (@legsidelizzy) June 8, 2017
Jeepers if that Exit Poll is true I won't be getting much sleep tonight! Best put a pot of coffee on this could be interesting… #Vote2017
— Sam Osborne (@SamOssie) June 8, 2017
Some people pointed out the exit poll was similar to the one from 2015, which underestimated the number of seats the Tories went on to win.
Last time the exit polls underestimated the Conservative win by 16 seats. Long night awaits.
— Anshel Pfeffer (@AnshelPfeffer) June 8, 2017
The exit poll has 76 seats too close to call. 76. This is going to be a long night.
— Sam Freedman (@Samfr) June 8, 2017
So what tactics were people employing to stay awake? One word: coffee.
Just woken up from a three hour tactical nap to that exit poll. Better get the coffee on. #generalelection
— Lauren Cope (@laurencope) June 8, 2017
Well, I was just opening a bottle of wine, but I'd better get the coffee pot on… #GE2017
— Lee Jones (@DrLeeJones) June 8, 2017
Possible hung parliament. Put the coffee on, it's going to be a long night #fb
— Simon Weigh (@SimonWeigh) June 8, 2017
The exit poll – carried out by Ipsos-MORI for the BBC, ITV and Sky – projected the Conservatives as the biggest party with 314 seats, down from 331, and Labour on 266.That would not be enough for an overall majority for any party and would therefore mean a hung parliament.