This year’s British Soap Awards has been axed, the Daily Star can reveal, as bosses have been forced to cancel the event due to coronavirus.
The annual bash, which airs on ITV, was due to take place in early June when restrictions will still be in place, but earlier this week it was decided it had to be pulled.
An ITV spokesperson said: “As a result of the pandemic, and following careful consideration of the ongoing safety measures in place for both drama productions and live events, ITV can confirm that the British Soap Awards will not take place this year.”
Staff who work on the event were told the news this morning.
Host Phillip Schofield is also aware the popular award ceremony has been cancelled.
Stars from the soaps are likely to be devastated by the news as an insider said: “The British Soap Awards is the highlight of the year for everyone in the soaps. It’s a chance for everyone to celebrate the hard work they’ve put in throughout the year.
“It’s also a chance for everyone to see each other and have a bit of a night out. The afterparty is always a lot of fun!
“But everyone understands why this decision has been made and supports the organisers.”
It is the second year in a row that the British Soap Awards has been scrapped because of virus restrictions.
But bosses have vowed to bring it back in 2022.
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The spokesperson added: “We look forward to hosting the awards again, when it is safe to do so and honouring the actors and shows that are so close to viewers’ hearts.”
The British Soap Awards has been running since 1999.
Over the years hosts have included Fern Britton, Paul O’Grady, Melanie Sykes and Matthew Kelly.
Corrie boasts the most wins with 116 gongs over 20 years.
EastEnders is second with 109 and Emmerdale has racked up 46.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
