Jane McDonald has been announced as the new host for the British Soap Awards following Phillip Schofield’s departure from ITV. The ceremony, which had been hosted by Schofield since 2006, is due to take place on Saturday in Salford, Greater Manchester.
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.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the 60-year-old said: “Everyone knows how much I LOVE my soaps, this year I’ve been honored 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.”
Schofield last week 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 the talent agency YMU.
Following the revelations, the 61-year-old 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.
The furore over Schofield had threatened to overshadow the awards ceremony while the scandal dominated headlines.
Announcing the “fabulous” McDonald as the new host of the ceremony, organizers 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.”
The awards ceremony will air on ITV on Tuesday evening.
In other news – Donald Trump recorded saying he kept classified file after leaving office
US prosecutors have obtained an audio recording of Donald Trump in which he acknowledges keeping a classified document after leaving the White House. CNN first reported that investigators had the tape, and people familiar with the matter later told the BBC’s US partner CBS that this was the case.
The justice department is investigating Mr. Trump’s handling of classified material. He denies wrongdoing. The inquiry is reported to be nearing its end and could result in charges. The audio recording is said to be from a meeting at Mr. Trump’s New Jersey golf club in July 2021, which is around six months after he left office.Learn More
