Jane McDonald took over from Phillip (Picture: ITV / Shutterstock)
Jane McDonald addressed the audience at the British Soap Awards after stepping in to take over from Phillip Schofield.
The former Loose Women star was drafted in to replace Schofield, 61, who stepped down from ITV last week with ‘immediate effect’ after releasing a statement that confessed to an affair with a much younger male colleague.
The Dancing On Ice presenter explained that the relationship, though ‘unwise’, was ‘not illegal’, and took place while he was married to wife Stephanie, with whom he shares two grown-up daughters.
Phil also admitted to lying about the relationship to his bosses and colleagues, with ITV later releasing a statement to say they felt ‘badly let down’ by the longtime host.
The British Soap Awards, which has been hosted by Schofield since its launch over 20 years ago, went ahead as planned on Saturday evening, with new host Jane McDonald stepping in to replace him.
Jane McDonald branded the soap awards her ‘dream job’ (Picture: ITV / Shutterstock)
‘I’ve got to say I am a massive fan of the soaps so this is my dream job,’ exclaimed the Cruising with Jane McDonald star as she addressed the audience which consisted of both soap stars and fans.
”Welcome to you all, thank you for having me.’
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The presenter wore a gold sequinned floor-length gown for the event, which will air on ITV this Tuesday (June 6).
‘We’re here in Salford’s stunning Lowry theatre just a stone’s throw from some very famous cobbles,’ added Jane.
‘We’re so close to the Rovers that you can still smell Betty’s hotpot.’
The British Soap Awards airs Tuesday June 6 at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
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Jane McDonald took over presenting duties for the British Soap Awards after Schofield left ITV with ‘immediate effect’ last week.