Stars are calling for Phil not to host the soap awards (Picture: ITV)
The British Soap Awards are the biggest event of the year for soap stars and fans alike, but this year, concerns have been raised around Phillip Schofield presenting.
Having recently stepped down from his role hosting This Morning, Phil released a statement, which he ended by promising to appear at the prestigious award ceremony in June.
This has caused concern among fans and stars alike, with one former soap star sharing her opinion of the topic on GB News.
Debbie Arnold, who has appeared in all five of the shows recognised at the British Soap Awards, but is perhaps best known as her EastEnders character April Branning, revealed that the idea of Phil presenting worries her.
‘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,’ she said, when asked how she felt about the choice of host.
‘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.’
Phil is also the host of ITV’s Dancing on Ice alongside Holly Willoughby, who has chosen to remain on This Morning despite Phil’s exit, though ITV have said that they will reveal whether he returns to present the skating competition in ‘due course’.
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The actress, who has appeared in five soaps, has shared her concerns. ” preload=”none” playsinline>
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‘It will just be all about Phillip, nobody will even be looking at them, they’ll just be looking at him.’
When asked about what the stars nominated for awards may think, Debbie said: ‘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 revealed that broadcaster ITV is concerned about backlash as a result of Phil hosting the award show.
Debbie Arnold played April Branning in EastEnders (Picture: BBC)
‘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.’
Phillip has hosted the British Soap Awards since 2006 after taking over from Fern Britton.
After a 20 year stint on This Morning, Phil stepped down from his role last week, releasing a statement following his departure.
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