ITV axes huge awards show after extreme budget-cuts: ‘It’s dead in the water’

1 hour ago 10

Denise Walsh and Martin Kemp presenting an award on stage at the British Soap Awards 2025.

The British Soap Awards had already been rested for 2026 (Picture: Rex/ITV/Shutterstock)

ITV has reportedly cancelled The British Soap Awards, amid wider budget cuts at the broadcaster.

The biggest night in soapland returned in 2025, following a one-year hiatus, to celebrate all things serial drama.

However, the awards show has now reportedly been quietly axed, due to a lack of sponsorship.

A soap insider told The Sun: ‘Sadly, The Soap Awards have had their day and won’t be returning.

‘It’s a real shame, but they no longer pull in the advertising or sponsorship money anymore. It won’t be back. It’s dead in the water.’

They went on to note that rival awards shows, like the Baftas and the National Television Awards, already incorporate soaps into the categories, adding: ‘They don’t need their own event anymore.’

Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (13939376as) Host Jane McDonald holding one of the coveted Soap Awards 'The British Soap Awards 2023' TV Show, UK - 06 Jun 2023 The British Soap Awards returns to ITV1 and ITVX to celebrate the nation's biggest and most-loved soap operas. This year the awards took place at The Lowry in Salford and were hosted by new host - Jane McDonald (Phillip Schofield's replacement). The numerous awards were presented by an array of well-known faces from across the TV and showbiz world. Faking It Channel 5 Episode 3

Jane McDonald, who replaced long-time host Phillip Schofield in 2023 (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

An ITV spokesperson previously confirmed to Metro that The British Soap Awards would be rested for 2026. That will now be extended indefinitely, according to the new reporting.

ITV last year announced a huge cost-saving shake-up to its daytime schedule, which has impacted Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, Loose Women and This Morning and reportedly resulted in hundreds of job losses.

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The 2025 Soap Awards ceremony was presided over by Jane McDonald, who replaced long-time host Phillip Schofield in 2023, in the wake of his acrimonious exit from This Morning.

ITV shelved the awards for 2024, before its glitzy return last summer, which raked in 1.5million viewers on ITV.

EastEnders won big on the night at Hackney Empire. The BBC soap picked up eight gongs, including the best of them all, Best Soap.

Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (15340023at) Cast of Eastenders with Adam Woodyatt (centre)join award presenter Sir David Jason for a "selfie"on stage at the Hackney Empire after winning Best Soap The British Soap Awards, Show, London, UK - 31 May 2025 The British Soap Awards airs this Thursday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX and celebrates the nations biggest and most loved soap operas. This year the awards took place at the Hackney Empire and were hosted by the incomparable Jane McDonald

EastEnders won big this time last year (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

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In addition to Best Soap, EastEnders also won Best Single Episode, Scene of the Year, Villain of the Year, Best Dramatic Performance, Best Leading Performer, Best On-Screen Partnership and Best Comedy Performance.

The previous British Soap Awards, which aired in 2023, also saw EastEnders pick up Best Soap.

The British Soap Awards were/are intended to celebrate all the highs of the past year for the nation’s four biggest soaps: EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.

Metro contacted ITV for comment on this story.