Constant "Cannot connect to Red Alert 3 Online"

Hi all,

I'm hooked fine, loading - The online area of RA3 launches but then disconnects me after a few seconds saying "Cannot connect to Red Alert 3"

No VPN

AV isn't blocking it

Firewall has an exemption for C&C Online and RA3

Everything up to date

I can see 129 people online, but I, or my brother or my friend can't seem to get in

All from UK

Message I and a few mates are getting is 'cannot connect to backend server'