The British Soap Awards AXED by cash-strapped ITV amid brutal budget cuts
CASH-STRAPPED ITV have quietly axed The British Soap Awards following its brutal budget cuts.
It comes after the channel revealed earlier this year that the annual TV awards show was being rested for 2026.
A soap insider said: “Sadly, the soap awards have had their day and won’t be returning. It’s a real shame but they no longer pull in the advertising or sponsorship money anymore. It won’t be back. It’s dead in the water.”
The source added: “There are plenty of others awards shows, like the Baftas and the National Television Awards that incorporate soap, they don’t need their own event anymore.”
The awards last aired in 2025 and was hosted by Jane McDonald, after taking a one-year break.
It aired on ITV on a Thursday night in June and boasted 1.5m viewers.
Once a staple on the British awards season calendar, the annual bash celebrated EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Doctors, before the latter was canned in 2024.
But having taken place annually since 1999, The British Soap Awards were put on pause for two years during the pandemic, before returning in 2023.
Jane McDonald was drafted in as an emergency host to replace long-time presenter Phillip Schofield, who had to relinquish the gig in the wake of the This Morning scandal.
ITV then shelved the annual awards for 2024, before its glitzy return last summer.
Last year EastEnders won Best British Soap and eight prizes on the night including Best Dramatic Performance, handed to Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell.
An ITV source said: “No decision has been made yet.”