Soap fans have had a lot to say following the news ITV has once again axed the British Soap Awards.
The ceremony, which celebrates the wonderful world of soapland, has been hosted by Jane McDonald ever since Phillip Schofield left the broadcasting channel.
In 2024, the British Soap Awards didn’t air, but it was confirmed at the time that the show would 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’, a statement read.
Unfortunately, it’s bad news for fans of Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and EastEnders, as a spokesperson for ITV has confirmed to Metro that the awards do is taking a break for another year.
‘The British Soap Awards is taking a break and won’t be on air in 2026’, they said.
Last year, EastEnders was crowned Best Soap, following months of drama that saw them celebrate their 40th anniversary, multiple returns, and plenty of plot twists.
The start of 2026 has been huge for soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale, as residents from both neighbourhoods were involved in a crossover episode called Corriedale.
Do we need the British Soap Awards?
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Yes absolutely
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No I don't think so
This has been the focus of many messages from fans following the cancellation of the soap awards again.
Isabelle shared on X: Corriedale was a groundbreaking moment in both soap and British television history. The recognition at the awards would’ve been huge, I am shocked as to why itv have made this decision to cancel the awards. “Taking a break” is not a good enough answer #Corrie #corriedale #Swarla.’
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Echoing the view, Laura wrote: ‘ITV cancelling the British Soap Awards again when soaps have been the best they’ve been in ages plus we had Corriedale! This is a huge mistake ITV you need the BSA’s to promote the absolute talent/storylines that the soap world creates!.’
Chloe added: ‘Absolutely fuming the soap awards have been cancelled this year!’.
Last week, ITV shared some pretty incredible statistics following what’s been the broadcasting channel’s ‘biggest ever month for streaming’.
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, has confirmed that Corrie and Emmerdale were pivotal in creating this milestone.
Do we need the British Soap Awards? Soaps Reporter Calli Kitson has her say…
In a world where it’s far more tempting to watch a new Netflix show than it is to sit down and watch a soap (with decades worth of history) for the first time ever, we absolutely need some sort of soap awards ceremony to showcase the talent within the genre.
The fact that ITV haven’t given a reason for cancelling the ceremony has left me, and others, somewhat concerned.
The comments within this article from Kevin Lygo about how successful both soaps have been throughout the start of 2026, plus the massive event that was Corriedale, suggests the broadcasting channel has faith in both Coronation Street and Emmerdale, so why cancel the opportunity to highlight how amazing the cast and crew are, and give Hollyoaks and EastEnders the chance to do this as well?
The changes Corrie and Emmerdale have made to how many episodes they air per week came as a result of research that proved audiences were more engaged in 30 minute trips to Weatherfield or the Dales than the one hour instalments.
It proves ITV make adjustments to fit the TV landscape today so maybe, if they’re not keen on bringing back the British Soap Awards, they need to create a new ceremony instead?
He said: ‘The combination of a brilliant drama offering, two of our biggest brands – Coronation Street and Emmerdale, alongside our most popular show for 16-34s, Love Island, have come together to deliver ITVX its biggest ever month. 2026 is packed full of exciting new content and it’s fantastic to kick start the year with this milestone.’
Both Coronation Street and Emmerdale saw significant uplifts in their streaming viewership, with streams up 48% year on year.
They also achieved their highest monthly streaming figures on record following the Corriedale crossover.
Plus, January saw the start of the soap power hour on ITV, with the shows now airing 30 minute episodes throughout the week in the evening, and on ITVX at 7am.
Corriedale was ITV’s biggest programme to air in January, with a total audience of 5.9 million across TV and streaming.