Phillip Schofield is set to make a sensational return to television after presenting his last episode of This Morning on Thursday, May 18.
When it was announced Phillip would be departing the flagship programme, ITV confirmed the presenter would be back on TV for The British Soap Awards.
The ceremony, which will be prerecorded on Saturday, June 3 is set to air on Tuesday, June 6.
Phillip has hosted the event in the past and in his statement on his sudden This Morning exit, he confirmed he would be returning to front the ceremony.
Emmerdale, EastEnders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Doctors will compete for the title of Best British Soap.
The public-voting categories, which close on June 2 at 5pm, include Best British Soap, Best Leading Performer, Best Villain and Best Young Performer.
The public-voted categories have now entered the second round of voting, with the Best Leading Performer nominees whittled down from 25 to 5.
Coronation Street has one contender in the Leading Performer category, while EastEnders and Emmerdale have two each.
However, for the second year running, Hollyoaks and Doctors failed to get anyone through to the second round of public voting in this category.
Phillip Schofield said: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story. Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
“So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment added: “Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.
“This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.”
Meanwhile, there have been reports Phillip's absence at the awards could be a concern following his immediate exit from This Morning after 21 years.
A source said "It's a big Saturday night event with celebrities and a paying public audience in the theatre. It's happening very soon. What if viewers side with Holly and Phil gets jeered?"
The insider continued to The i: 'It's a high-risk return for Phil and his presence could overshadow the event."
Elsewhere, British soap star Debbie Arnold, who is best known for her portrayal of April Branning in EastEnders but has also starred in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Doctors, questioned whether Phillip should continue to host the awards in a recent interview.
She told GB News: "It will all be about him and not about these other poor actors who spent years trying to get these awards. It will just be all about Phillip, nobody will even be looking at them, they'll just be looking at him."
