ITV Axes British Soap Awards for 2026, Leaving Viewers Furious
Television fans across the UK have been left seething with anger after ITV announced the cancellation of the British Soap Awards for 2026. This marks the second time in three years that the prestigious ceremony has been shelved, with the broadcaster offering no clear rationale for the decision. The show, which celebrates iconic British soaps like Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks, along with their dramatic storylines, will not air this year, disappointing millions of loyal viewers.
Statement from ITV Confirms Break in Broadcasting
In a brief statement, an ITV spokesperson confirmed that the British Soap Awards is taking a break and will not be broadcast in 2026. The ceremony, which typically attracts peak audiences of nearly six million viewers, has been a staple of television schedules, honouring the actors and creative teams behind the nation's beloved soap operas. The lack of explanation for the pause has only fueled frustration among fans, who are questioning the timing given the recent successes of UK soaps.
History of Cancellations and Fan Backlash
The programme was last aired in 2025 after also being paused in 2024, which previously upset fans. Its absence in 2026 comes as a surprise, especially during a bumper year for British soaps that featured major storylines, including the groundbreaking Corriedale crossover between Coronation Street and Emmerdale. On social media platforms like Twitter/X, users expressed their outrage, with one commenting, "ITV cancelling the soap awards when a Corriedale sweep was likely and deserved? Very unserious institution." Another added, "Why is #TheBritishSoapAwards taking a 'break' when it only returned last year after a two-year hiatus?"
Recent Successes and Presenter Changes
Since 2023, the awards have been hosted by Jane McDonald, who took over from Phillip Schofield after he stepped down due to personal controversies. McDonald expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, "You all know I love my soaps, so to be in a room giving recognition to all these wonderful actors and their fantastic hard work is simply joyous. I can't wait to get my glittery frock on and celebrate with everyone." Meanwhile, ITV has reported record streaming numbers, with 383 million streams in January, highlighting the channel's digital growth despite the cancellation.
Highlights from the 2025 Ceremony
Last year's event was a triumph for EastEnders, which won the top award for Best British Soap and secured eight awards in total, including Best Dramatic Performance for Steve McFadden and Best Single Episode for Phil Mitchell's psychosis storyline. Emmerdale and Hollyoaks also performed well, with three and two awards respectively, while Coronation Street received the Outstanding Achievement Award for David Neilson's 30-year portrayal of Roy Cropper. Anita Dobson, an EastEnders legend, reflected on the ceremony, saying, "It was just perfect," when asked about a potential return.
The cancellation raises questions about the future of televised awards shows and ITV's programming strategy, as fans await further updates on whether the British Soap Awards will return in subsequent years.
