Jane McDonald has been announced as the new host for the British Soap Awards this weekend following Phillip Schofield’s departure from ITV.
The ceremony, which has been hosted by Schofield since 2006, is due to take place on Saturday.
McDonald, a singer and TV presenter known for shows including Cruising With Jane McDonald and Loose Women, said she was “so excited” to take over hosting duties.
Last week, Schofield admitted to an “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a younger male colleague and stepped down from his roles with ITV. He was also dropped by talent agency, YMU.
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Following the revelations, he was also dropped as an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust charity and ITV has asked a barrister to carry out an external review of his departure from This Morning. ITV bosses will be quizzed by MPs next week over their handling of the situation.
Announcing the “fabulous” McDonald as the new host of the Soap Awards, organisers said: “As a super huge soap fan she’s in for a treat as we celebrate all our wonderful soaps in a star studded glittering event.”
In a statement shared on Instagram, McDonald said: “Everyone knows how much I LOVE my soaps, this year I’ve been honoured to be mentioned in Corrie, EastEnders and Emmerdale so this is just a dream come true. I can’t wait to see all our wonderful soap nominees and celebrate all their hard work with them – roll on the awards, I can’t wait!”
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The awards ceremony will air on ITV on Tuesday evening.
Schofield originally said he was leaving This Morning after more than two decades because he had “become the story” following rumours of a rift between him and co-presenter Holly Willoughby. Reports of the rift came after his brother was jailed for 12 years over child sex offences.
At that time, ITV described Schofield as “hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation” and said they would continue to work with him on other projects, including the Soap Awards.
However, he was dropped entirely when details of the affair emerged the following week.
Willoughby, 41, is due to return to the show on Monday, when she returns from holiday.
