The beloved ITV soap Emmerdale has been notably absent from the nominations for Best Soap at the British Academy Television Awards in 2026, marking a surprising momen

t for the long-running drama that has dominated British television for decades. While rival series EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Casualty secured coveted spots

on the shortlist, the Yorkshire-set saga was left out entirely — a development many fans see as the lingering consequence of last year’s controversy.

Emmerdale has not received any nominations for this year’s TV Baftas

It follows the decision last year to withdraw Emmerdale from contention

Emmerdale bosses withdrew the show after a writer pleaded guilty to assault

The omission follows a turbulent period for Emmerdale, which withdrew from the awards in 2025 after a scandal involving one of its writers cast a shadow over the production. The decision came despite the show receiving widespread praise for a powerful storyline addressing domestic abuse — a narrative that resonated deeply with viewers and critics alike.

A Controversy That Changed Everything

In 2025, Emmerdale was initially expected to compete strongly at the BAFTA TV Awards thanks to the critical acclaim surrounding one of its most emotionally gripping arcs. The storyline focused on Belle Dingle’s harrowing experience of coercive control and psychological abuse at the hands of her husband, Tom King. The plot was widely praised for shedding light on the devastating realities of domestic abuse, portraying not only the physical dangers but also the insidious emotional manipulation that traps victims in toxic relationships.

However, just as awards season approached, shocking real-life developments forced the show into a difficult position. Scriptwriter Martin Fustes pleaded guilty in court to assaulting his girlfriend, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the production team and the wider television industry.

In response, ITV took swift action. The broadcaster confirmed that Emmerdale would voluntarily withdraw its submissions from the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards, despite the fact that its nominated episode had been widely praised.

At the time, a spokesperson for ITV released a brief statement explaining the decision.

“ITV and Emmerdale have taken the decision to withdraw the episode nominations from this year’s BAFTA TV Awards,” the representative said. “This is in consideration of developments in recent days involving a member of the scriptwriting team.”

The move was seen as a gesture of accountability and sensitivity, especially given that the storyline being recognized centered on domestic abuse — the very issue connected to the off-screen scandal.

A Storyline That Captivated the Nation

The withdrawal was particularly bittersweet because the Belle and Tom storyline had been widely celebrated as one of the most impactful narratives in the soap’s history.

Belle, played by Eden Taylor-Draper, endured months of psychological torment from Tom, portrayed by James Chase. The plot depicted Tom’s escalating pattern of manipulation — from isolating Belle from loved ones to exerting suffocating control over every aspect of her life.

Unlike many soap storylines that rely on explosive confrontations, this arc built tension gradually, showing how coercive control often unfolds subtly over time. Viewers watched helplessly as Belle’s once vibrant personality dimmed under the pressure of Tom’s relentless psychological abuse.

The story struck a chord with audiences because it mirrored real-world experiences faced by countless survivors. Advocacy groups praised the show for accurately portraying the emotional complexity of abusive relationships and the difficulty victims face when attempting to break free.

Eventually, after months of manipulation and fear, Belle found the courage to fight back.

The Dramatic Courtroom Showdown

The storyline reached its climax in a tense courtroom showdown that became one of the most talked-about episodes of the year. Belle bravely testified against Tom, recounting the psychological abuse and coercion she had endured throughout their relationship.

The courtroom scenes were intense and emotional, highlighting the courage required for survivors to speak publicly about their trauma. In a moment that left viewers cheering, Tom was ultimately found guilty, bringing a sense of justice and closure to the long-running plot.

But the story didn’t end there.

In a special hour-long episode, the soap incorporated dramatized accounts inspired by the real-life experiences of domestic abuse survivors. These segments underscored the broader message of the storyline — that Belle’s story represented countless others facing similar struggles.

Months later, Tom made a final appearance from prison when Belle confronted him once more, this time to demand a divorce. The moment symbolized her complete liberation from his control, marking the end of a dark chapter in her life.

Rivals Take the Spotlight

While Emmerdale sits out the Best Soap category this year, the competition remains fierce among its rivals.

Both EastEnders and Coronation Street continue to dominate British soap storytelling, while medical drama Casualty has earned recognition for its emotionally charged hospital narratives.

Their nominations highlight the strength of the genre, which remains a cornerstone of British television culture.

Coronation Street was one of three shows nominated in the Best Soap category

BBC’s EastEnders was also nominated

Meanwhile, the wider BAFTA nominations are led by the gripping Netflix drama Adolescence, which has secured an impressive 11 nominations. The series has captivated audiences with its raw exploration of youth and societal pressures.

Close behind is A Thousand Blows, the historical drama created by Steven Knight, the mind behind Peaky Blinders. The show earned seven nominations, further cementing Knight’s reputation as one of Britain’s most compelling storytellers.

Other standout contenders include the Star Wars: Andor spin-off Andor and the Channel 4 drama Trespasses, both of which secured six nominations each.

Another Surprise Snub

The BAFTA nominations also delivered another unexpected shock: the complete absence of Strictly Come Dancing.

For the first time in eight years, the immensely popular dance competition failed to receive a single nomination. The show, typically a regular presence in the Entertainment Programme category, has often been recognized for its dazzling performances and memorable moments.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have frequently been contenders in the Entertainment Performance category as well.

This year’s omission comes after a turbulent season that saw major changes among the professional dancer lineup, a shake-up that many insiders described as a “bloodbath.”

What’s Next for Emmerdale?

Despite the disappointment of being absent from this year’s BAFTA nominations, Emmerdale remains one of the UK’s most enduring and influential soap operas.

The show’s willingness to tackle difficult social issues — from domestic abuse to mental health — has long been a hallmark of its storytelling. While the off-screen controversy undoubtedly affected its awards trajectory, many fans believe the powerful Belle and Tom storyline will still be remembered as one of the soap’s most important achievements.

For viewers, the message remains clear: even when recognition from awards bodies is absent, the impact of meaningful storytelling can resonate far beyond the trophy cabinet.

And if Emmerdale’s history proves anything, it’s that the iconic soap is never down for long. The village may be quiet for now — but the drama is far from over.