Viewers of the British Soap Awards wasted no time in having their say on replacement host Jane McDonald. The star-studded event, which was filmed in front of a live audience over the weekend, aired on ITV on Tuesday night (June 5).
The glitzy awards bash saw the stars of Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders, Doctors and Hollyoaks file into The Lowry theatre at Salford Quays as they came together to celebrate the very best of another year in soapland.
And it was a busy night as once the soap stars took their seats in the auditorium, they were left waiting to see if they or their cast members had been successful in the 14 different categories before taking to the stage and collecting their silver shining gong.
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But back to the host and the awards ceremony was presented by singer and TV favourite Jane She was drafted in at the last minute after Phillip Schofield stepped back from his role on ITV following his confession of an affair with a much younger ITV colleague. It came after he'd already quit This Morning following scrutiny around his rumoured crumbling relationship with co-star Holly Willoughby.
And as she took to the stage, Channel 5 star and former Loose Women panellist Jane was met with a huge round of applause from the audience and she thanked them for welcoming her to such a prestigious event. The self-confessed soap fan looked stunning in a gold sequin gown as she thanked everyone for welcoming her.
Flocking to social media, viewers also showed their support for the last-minute host. @AmyJoanne__ tweeted: "Yes. I already love Jane as host. Same every year then????? #britishsoapawards2023." @teenamassam applauded: "Jane McDonald bringing the glam and doing a fabulous job presenting…#britishsoapawards2023."
@nathanocarroll shared: "She’s only been hosting 45 mins but feels like she’s always hosted. Jane McDonald is a queen! #britishsoapawards2023." @MrRichieW wrote: "Jane McDonald really is a breath of fresh air, isn’t she" and @clarecrichton agreed saying: "Jane McDonald can’t put a foot wrong she’s an absolute treasure." @betbinch added: "Jane McDonald should have been hosting the British Soap Awards all along. She at least gives off the impression that she spends her evenings watching Corrie."
Others, however, asked about Phillip's failed appearance and even mocked the fact that he'd been replaced. @IggyPopBarker asked: "Where's Phillip Schofield? #BritishSoapAwards."
@kevblokey quipped: "Has Phillip Schofield done something different with his hair? That gold dress does suit him though… #britishsoapawards2023." @duncanedwards8 posted: "Just flicked the British Soap Awards on and WHAT THE ACTUAL F**K? Where is Phillip Schofield? Have I missed something? #britishsoapawards2023 #ITV."
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