TV Choice Awards 2026: Glamour and Anticipation Fill London Hilton
The annual TV Choice Awards have returned, bringing a wave of excitement and style to the heart of London. This prestigious event, now in its 29th edition, is unfolding at the iconic London Hilton, where the crème de la crème of British television have assembled to celebrate another remarkable year of programming. With the red carpet rolled out and cameras flashing, the atmosphere is electric as stars from across the industry hope to secure one of the coveted trophies, all decided by the votes of the British viewing public.
Host and Highlights of the Evening
Once again, the charismatic Jason Manford is at the helm as host, a role he embraced with enthusiasm last year. Reflecting on his return, Manford expressed his delight, stating, "I had a great night hosting the Awards for the first time in 2025 and I’m delighted that I’ll be back to do it again in 2026. The TV Choice Awards is always full of colleagues and friends and I’m looking forward to getting on stage and seeing them rewarded by the readers." His presence promises to add a touch of humour and warmth to the proceedings, ensuring the ceremony remains a highlight on the showbiz calendar.
Red Carpet Arrivals and Star Power
Among the early arrivals turning heads was Anne Hegerty, the beloved star of The Chase, who dazzled onlookers with her radiant smile and elegant attire. As she graced the red carpet, speculation mounted: will she leave the event with an award in hand, adding to her already impressive accolades? Her appearance underscores the broad appeal of the awards, which honour talent from game shows to dramas and soaps.
Emmerdale's Dominance and Last Year's Triumphs
All eyes are on Emmerdale, the ITV soap that dominated the 2025 ceremony with a series of significant wins. Last year's successes included:
- Beth Cordingly securing the Best Soap Newcomer award for her portrayal of Ruby Fox-Miligan.
- The show itself being crowned Best Soap, a title it also claimed in 2024, demonstrating its consistent popularity.
This year, the soap is poised for another potential sweep, with fans eagerly watching to see if it can maintain its winning streak. Beyond soaps, other notable 2025 winners included Si King, who received the Best Food Show prize for The Hairy Bikers Go West. His emotional acceptance speech paid tribute to his late screen partner, Dave Myers, making it a poignant moment that resonated with audiences nationwide.
Categories and Broader Recognition
The awards span a diverse range of categories, celebrating excellence across British television. In the drama sector, Mr Bates vs The Post Office continued its critical acclaim by being named Best New Drama in 2025, highlighting the event's role in acknowledging impactful storytelling. As the 2026 ceremony unfolds, anticipation builds over which shows and personalities will emerge victorious, with the public's votes shaping the outcomes in real-time.
With the glitz and glamour in full swing, the TV Choice Awards 2026 not only honour past achievements but also set the stage for future television milestones, reinforcing its status as a key moment in the UK's entertainment landscape.
