British Soap Awards cancelled next year by ITV in shock move

ITV has announced that they are canceling 2024’s British Soap Awards without an explanation.

There is no reason apparent for the decision as 2.9 million Brits tuned in for the 2023 award ceremony, so it should have returned by popular demand.

This summer Coronation Street won big at the Soap Awards, scooping up six prizes.

But it seems Corrie stars and producers will not get the chance to go head to head with the cast and crew of EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Doctors in the coming year.

An ITV spokesperson told Radio Times: “The British Soap Awards won’t be on air in 2024 but is set to return in 2025.

“The show was fantastically received in 2023, achieving consolidated figures of 2.9 million and doubling its audience year on year, so we look forward to the show’s return.”

This year’s ceremony faced some controversy as Philip Schofield was forced to step down after having hosted the show since 2006.

The Sun exclusively revealed that BAFTA award winner Jane McDonald would take his place on the big stage.

Protestors gathered outside the The Lowry in Salford on the night of the big bash with placards of Schofield and his former This Morning co-star Holly Willoughby.

But beaming new presenter Jane had the crowd in stitches as she announced the 2023 gong winners.

An onlooker praised her for being a “natural” to the Sun Online, adding: “It’s obvious she loves soaps and the audience loves her for it. She had fans in hysterics with her performance – even breaking into song during the down bits.

“It was like she’s been doing it for years. The audience and soap stars absolutely loved her.”