ITV/Shutterstock Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 12 Feb 2026, 13:02 By Carena Crawford 12 Feb 2026, 13:02 The British Soap Awards cancelled AGAIN and fans think they have worked out why It's been such a big year for Emmerdale, viewers are furious The British Soap Awards Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 12 Feb 2026, 13:02 By Carena Crawford 12 Feb 2026, 13:02 Emmerdale fans have been left furious after ITV announced it has cancelled The British Soap Awards for 2026. It comes after the show was scrapped in 2024, but returned in 2025. On Wednesday February 11 an ITV spokesperson confirmed to Radio Times: “The British Soap Awards is taking a break and won’t be on air in 2026.” However they did not give a reason for the axing, leaving fans to speculate exactly what’s gone on. And many think they’ve worked out why it won’t air. Jane McDonald usually hosts the event (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) ITV axes The British Soap Awards for 2026 It has been a turblent few years for the event. It was first cancelled in 2020 due to Covid and didn’t return the following year in 2021 either. Then it aired in 2022 and 2023, but 2023 saw an upheaval when Phillip Schofield, who had hosted the ceremony for 16 years quit ITV. He was replaced at the last minute by Jane McDonald. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers In 2024, the ceremony was once again shelved, but returned in 2025 with Jane at the helm. And now it has been cancelled again. And ITV has not given any reason at all for its decision. Fans want answers When the news broke, soap fans took to social media in their thousands to complain about it – and demand an explanation. “Right ITV explain yourself for this absolutely ridiculous decision,” fumed one. “Honestly ITV why??” asked a second. “The year of Corriedale too? Criminal behaviour,” added another. However in lieu of proper reasoning, many viewers have come up with their own theories as to why the British Soap Awards has been cancelled. EastEnders were the big winners last year (Credit: ITV) Has the British Soap Awards had its day? Some viewers believe it’s because the Awards themselves simply aren’t worth it. “Whilst I love the soaps, the Soap Awards has had its day,” shared one on social media. Another added: “Not a lot to get awards for. Get better writers and storylines.” “With the current state of all the soaps, maybe they felt they would only be rewarding the best of a bad bunch instead of real excellence?” queried a third. Others felt it was due to budget cuts: “ITV’s budget must be struggling right now for them to cancel the Soap Awards for the second time,” theorised one. “All I get from this is a complete lack of faith from ITV about their own soaps,” added another. And there were some who believe it is because Emmerdale were going to sweep the board after EastEnders did so last year. “It’s like they knew Emmerdale were gonna win most of the awards hence why they cancelled it.” Amelia Flanagan took home an award in 2025 for Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Football to blame? There was one person who had clearly thought it through and came up with a very plausible explanation. And it’s all-too familiar when it comes to the soaps: football is to blame. “I think it’s come to me why,” they shared. “There’s a World Cup on this summer, it’s in North America, and the ceremony is usually around June time, I don’t think there’s the space in the schedule before or after. “I don’t think they’d made the decision easily, they know it’s a ratings winner, but you can’t take on FIFA when the time zones aren’t in your favour. Add to that, I don’t think the Beeb or C4 would want to take this on.” Whatever the real reason, we’re sure going to miss seeing our favourite stars dressed up for the night. Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 12 Feb 2026, 13:02 By Carena Crawford 12 Feb 2026, 13:02 Next Story
