Devastating news for soap opera enthusiasts: The British Soap Awards have been cancelled by ITV for the second time, leaving fans of iconic shows like EastEnders and Emmerdale feeling utterly deflated. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this the end of an era for celebrating British television's most beloved dramas? Once a highlight of the UK's awards season, this annual event was more than just a ceremony—it was a night where the stars and crew of long-running soaps could unwind and celebrate their hard work. Running since 1999, the awards took a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, returned in 2023, only to be axed again in 2024 and now 2026. And this is the part most people miss... Could this cancellation be linked to shifting priorities in the industry, or is there more to the story? ITV's statement simply reads: “The British Soap Awards is taking a break and won’t be on air in 2026,” leaving fans and industry insiders alike speculating about its future beyond 2027.
The timing of this announcement feels particularly bittersweet, coming on the heels of ITV’s groundbreaking Corriedale stunt, where Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossed over for the first time. Fans are heartbroken, with one tweeting, “Such a shame! I'm gutted as [there’ll be] no recognition for Corriedale.” Another fan pointed out, “It makes no sense at all for them to do this. They would have swept the awards between Corriedale and Emmerdale—they would’ve won so many.” A third added, “It seems a real shame not to celebrate the actors across the soaps in some capacity, even if it had to be smaller in scale.”
Traditionally, the British Soap Awards brought together actors from EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks to compete for acting honors, culminating in the prestigious Best British Soap award. In 2025, EastEnders took home the top prize after a thrilling year celebrating the show’s 40th anniversary. The event, which alternated between London and Manchester in recent years, was set to take place in Manchester this year, adding to the disappointment of its cancellation.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you... Could the decline of traditional awards ceremonies like this one signal a broader shift in how we celebrate and consume television? Or is ITV simply reevaluating its priorities in an ever-changing media landscape? Let’s not forget the drama behind the scenes in 2023, when longtime host Philip Schofield stepped down after a scandal, with Jane McDonald stepping in to host the 2023 and 2025 ceremonies.
As fans mourn the loss of this cherished event, one thing is clear: the British Soap Awards held a special place in the hearts of viewers and the industry alike. But is this cancellation a temporary pause or a permanent goodbye? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think ITV made the right call, or is this a missed opportunity to celebrate the best of British television? The debate is open!
