For both soap actors and viewers, the British Soap Awards are the greatest event of the year. However, this year, questions have been raised about Phillip Schofield’s ability to host.
Phil just announced his resignation as presenter of This Morning in a statement that he concluded by pledging to attend the renowned awards event in June.
Fans and celebrities alike have expressed alarm about this, and one former soap actress has given her view on the subject on GB News.
The prospect of Phil hosting the British Soap Awards disturbs Debbie Arnold, who has been in all five of the programmes honoured at the ceremony but is arguably best known for her EastEnders character April Branning.
When asked how she felt about the choice of presenter, she said, “It’s not tainted Phillip Schofield as much as the fact that it will all be about him and not about these other poor actors who spent years trying to get these awards.”
“Everyone will just be looking at Phillip; they won’t even be looking at them,” said the speaker.
The actress Debbie responded when asked what she thought the actors competing for awards may think, “I don’t think they’ll be upset, he hasn’t done anything to harm any actors…but they will definitely want the evening to be about them and surely if he hosts it it will all be about him.”
This comes after a source said that ITV, the broadcaster, was worried about criticism since Phil was presenting the awards presentation.
Celebrities and a paying crowd are present at this important Saturday night event at the theatre. It will take place pretty shortly.
What if viewers reject Phil and Holly as heroes?
‘It’s a high-risk comeback for Phil and his presence might dominate the occasion,’ the source stated to The i.
Since 2006, Phillip has presented the British Soap Awards, succeeding Fern Britton.
Phil announced his resignation from his position as host of This Morning last week after 20 years in the position.
‘I have always taken great pride in reporting on intriguing subjects for This Morning. However, This Morning has suddenly turned into the tale.
“I have always tried my best to be honest and compassionate during my time in television, especially the very trying past few days.
ITV has determined that the present situation cannot continue, and I want to do all I can to save the programme I adore.
Therefore, in the hopes that This Morning will have a successful future, I have decided to leave the programme with immediate effect.
I want to thank everyone for their support, particularly the wonderful fans of This Morning. I’ll see you all at the Soap Awards next month.
In addition, Phil co-hosts ITV’s Dancing on Ice with Holly Willoughby, who decided to stay on This Morning despite Phil’s departure. ITV has said that they will announce if Phil will return to host the skating competition in ‘due time’.