British soap devotees are reeling after ITV confirmed that The British Soap Awards will not air in 2026, marking the second cancellation in three years and sparking an outpouring of

anger from viewers who believe the genre is being robbed of its biggest night of celebration. For fans who treat the ceremony as the Super Bowl of serial drama, the news has landed like a betrayal.

The annual event, traditionally hosted by Jane McDonald, has long been a glittering gathering point for the stars of Emmerdale, Coronation Street, EastEnders and

the wider soap community. It is where rival casts swap the cobbles and the Dales for a red carpet, where backstage friendships become front-page photographs, and where months — sometimes years — of emotionally gruelling storytelling are rewarded in front of the people who love them most.

Now, that stage is going dark.

Following the news that the British Soap Awards won’t take place this year, fans have been left furious

Many were sad that the dramatic corriedale crossover, which aired earlier this year, won’t get any accolades at the bash

ITV released a brief statement confirming the hiatus, saying simply: “The British Soap Awards is taking a break and won’t be on air in 2026.” No additional explanation was offered, and crucially, there was no promise of a return the following year. That absence has only intensified fears that the pause could become something far more permanent.

Within minutes of the announcement, social media erupted.

Many viewers argued that the decision feels particularly ill-timed given what they describe as a creative high point for the soaps. Over the past year, long-running dramas have delivered ambitious stunts, headline-grabbing twists and intimate character pieces that have dominated conversation well beyond their usual audiences.

At the centre of the outrage is one moment in particular: the explosive Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover that united the two fictional worlds in a spectacle fans quickly christened “Corriedale.”

The event was months in the making and delivered on an almost cinematic scale. A catastrophic multi-vehicle crash tore through the boundary between the villages, leaving beloved residents fighting for their lives. Alliances shifted, heroes emerged, and tragedy struck with devastating force. Some characters survived forever changed; others did not survive at all.

It was bold. It was risky. And, in the eyes of viewers, it was exactly the kind of storytelling the Soap Awards were created to honour.

Without the ceremony, fans fear the achievement will drift into history without the industry recognition they believe it deserves.

“ITV cancelling the British Soap Awards again when soaps have been the best they’ve been in ages plus we had Corriedale!” one furious viewer wrote online. “This is a huge mistake. You need the BSAs to promote the absolute talent and storylines that the soap world creates.”

Another lamented that the crossover now seems destined to miss out on its moment of glory, writing that the iconic episode would not be “getting its flowers.”

Some reactions turned conspiratorial, with a few fans joking — or perhaps half-seriously suggesting — that the cancellation conveniently prevents any single show from sweeping the board. One post cheekily claimed the network must have known Emmerdale was poised to dominate.

But beneath the humour lies genuine disappointment, particularly for the performers themselves.

Unlike many televised awards, the Soap Awards have always been rooted in fandom. Viewer-voted categories give audiences a direct hand in recognising their favourites, creating a powerful connection between those on screen and those watching at home. Acceptance speeches often feel less like industry formalities and more like heartfelt thank-yous to extended family.

For actors who work punishing schedules year-round, the ceremony is also a rare opportunity to pause, dress up, and celebrate survival in a profession that demands relentless emotional output.

Former winners have frequently spoken about how meaningful the recognition can be — not just for headline stars, but for newcomers, supporting players, and behind-the-scenes crews whose contributions might otherwise go unseen.

That communal aspect is what many fear will be lost.

“The British Soap Awards bring so many fans together,” one viewer wrote. “It lets us catch up with each other while enjoying a great event.” Another questioned why ITV appears “so determined” to keep cancelling a show that has historically drawn strong engagement.

Last year’s ceremony underscored the point. After a turbulent run of storylines tied to its milestone anniversary, EastEnders emerged victorious, taking home the coveted Best Soap trophy. The triumph felt like a celebration not only of Walford but of the enduring appetite for long-form, character-driven drama.

Moments like that ripple across the industry, fuelling friendly competition and raising the bar for everyone.

The soap awards began in 1999 and took a break in 2024, returning last year

It’s a staple in the soap calendar, with stars from all corners of TV gathering each year

Without a 2026 edition, there will be no equivalent crescendo — no montage of tears, cheers, and champagne to mark another year of survival in the ever-shifting television landscape.

For Emmerdale and Coronation Street, the absence is especially poignant. Their shared stunt proved that collaboration between rival programmes can electrify audiences and generate national conversation. Many hoped the awards would cement it as a landmark achievement in soap history.

Instead, the legacy of “Corriedale” may rest solely in ratings figures, online clips, and the memories of stunned viewers.

Industry insiders have yet to publicly react, but there is little doubt the decision will be felt on set. Award nominations often provide morale boosts, particularly during demanding production cycles. They validate risk-taking and reward creative ambition.

Take away the ceremony, and some worry you remove a vital piece of that ecosystem.

Of course, television economics are complex, and breaks in scheduling are not unprecedented. Yet the emotional reaction from fans illustrates how deeply embedded the Soap Awards have become in British pop culture. For many, they are not optional extras; they are tradition.

As things stand, the future remains uncertain. ITV has not indicated whether discussions are underway for a revival in 2027 or beyond. Until clarity arrives, speculation will continue, and frustration is unlikely to fade.

What is clear is this: at a moment when soaps are experimenting, collaborating, and pushing boundaries, their biggest cheerleading platform has fallen silent.

And for viewers who live and breathe life on the cobbles and in the Dales, that silence is deafening.