A beloved British tradition has been dealt a devastating blow, leaving fans of iconic soap operas like EastEnders and Emmerdale in a state of despair. The British Soap Awards, once a staple of the awards season, has been canceled for the second time by ITV, leaving many to question the future of this beloved celebration.
For years, this annual event brought together the stars and crew of our favorite long-running soaps, offering a much-needed break from the daily grind and a chance to shine in the spotlight. But here's where it gets controversial: after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, the awards returned in 2023, only to be canceled again in 2024. And now, in 2026, we're facing another year without this beloved ceremony.
ITV has confirmed that the British Soap Awards will not be taking place this year, with a statement reading, "The British Soap Awards is taking a break and won't be on air in 2026." The future of this event beyond 2027 remains uncertain.
Fans have expressed their disappointment, especially after the highly anticipated Corriedale stunt, where Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossed over for the first time. One fan wrote, "Such a shame! I'm gutted there'll be no recognition for Corriedale." Another added, "They would've swept the awards! It makes no sense to cancel when they had such a successful year."
And this is the part most people miss: the British Soap Awards are more than just a celebration of the shows. They're a recognition of the incredible talent behind the scenes and on-screen. Actors from these beloved soaps battle it out for acting accolades, and the biggest prize of the night, Best British Soap, is a highly coveted honor.
In 2025, the EastEnders cast took home the top prize, capping off an action-packed year for the BBC show's 40th anniversary. The event, which has been held in London and Manchester, has become a highly anticipated fixture in the soap opera world.
So, why the sudden cancellation? In 2023, the ceremony faced a host crisis when longtime presenter Philip Schofield stepped down from all ITV commitments after a scandal. Channel 5's Jane McDonald stepped in as a replacement, hosting in 2023 and 2025.
But now, with no clear reason given for the cancellation, fans are left wondering if this beloved tradition will ever return. What do you think? Should the British Soap Awards be brought back, or is it time to move on? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
