The British Soap Awards are officially returning this summer for the biggest celebration of the nation's most loved soap operas - and the host has already been announced.

It comes after last year's ceremony was suddenly cancelled with no explanation as to why it would no longer be taking place.

The last award ceremony in June 2023 reached 5.7 million viewers in total, with just under 1 million streams on ITVX and a peak of 3.2 million viewers via its linear overnight broadcast. 

And after her hugely successful debut stint hosting the awards for the first time in 2023, the legendary Jane McDonald will be returning as host to add extra sparkle to the most glittering event of the year. 

The singer and self-confessed soaps fan, 61, stepped in a as a last-minute replacement for Phillip Schofield after he quit ITV after admitting to an affair with a young male This Morning colleague.

The 2025 awards will take place in London and will honour the country's four biggest soaps - Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. 

Each soap will battle it out for one of the many highly sought after awards. So fans can expect some of the biggest faces from all four soaps to be hitting the red carpet for the most star-studded and exciting event in the soap calendar. 

As always, the awards will celebrate a year in soaps and will be voted for by an expert judging panel or by the public. 

Host Jane McDonald said: 'I'm beyond excited to be hosting The British Soap Awards again as I had such a ball hosting the awards last time. 

'You all know I love my soaps, so to be in a room giving recognition to all these wonderful actors and their fantastic hard work is simply joyous. I can't wait to get my glittery frock on and celebrate with everyone.'

Meanwhile, Gemma John-Lewis, Entertainment Commissioner ITV said: 'The British Soaps Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and shine a light on the incredible actors and production teams that deliver gripping drama and captivating stories throughout the year. 

'We're delighted Jane McDonald, a self proclaimed number one soap fan, is returning to host the awards.' 

In 2023, fans went wild for Jane as she hosted the awards show for the first time ever.

Kicking off the star-studded ceremony, Jane told the audience: 'I've got to say I am a massive fan of the soaps so this is my dream job. Welcome to you all, thank you for having me.' 

Her appearance was also met with excitement by the cast members, with Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson revealing fellow cast member Ross Adams, who plays Scott Drinkwell, was particularly excited about the new host.

She said: 'Ross Adams is like her biggest fan ever, as soon as he found out, he was completely fangirling about it. So it's really exciting for us that she's doing it but really exciting for Ross.'

Viewers certainly seemed to agree as they took to Twitter to praise Jane's stint as host, with many pleading that she become a permenant fixture at the awards.

One tweeted: 'Fair to say Jane McDonald is doing a great job under what must be some serious pressure,' while a second added: 'Jane McDonald is the perfect host for this I want her to do it every year.'

A third tweeted: 'Loving Jane McDonald as the new host. Hope she has the job permenantly now.'

One viewer added: 'Jane McDonald really is a breath of fresh air isn't she?'

Another fan lauded: 'Jane McDonald fits like a glove presenting the Soap Awards.'

It was announced in November 2023 that the British Soap Awards would not be taking place in 2024, to the disappointment of fans.

An ITV spokesman said: 'The British Soap Awards won't be on air in 2024 but is set to return in 2025.

'The show was fantastically received in 2023, achieving consolidated figures of 2.9million and doubling its audience year on year, so we look forward to the show's return.'

Phillip presented the ceremony from 2006 to 2022. From 2006 and 2008, he hosted the programme with his former This Morning co-star Fern Britton.