Singer Jane McDonald has stepped in to replace disgraced presenter ITV Phillip Schofield at the British Soap Awards.
Schofield, 61, has hosted the ceremony since 2006.
It is scheduled to be shown on ITV on Tuesday June 5th.
Ms McDonald, 60, said on Twitter:
“Everyone knows how much I LOVE my soaps, this year I’ve been honoured to be mentioned in Corrie, EastEnders and Emmerdale so this is just a dream come true.
“I can’t wait to see all our wonderful soap nominees and celebrate all their hard work with them – roll on the awards, I can’t wait.”
Schofield quit ITV after revelations about an “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a much younger male colleague.
The perennial star of day-time television has also been dropped as an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust.
A beleaguered ITV has called in an independent barrister to review the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Next week MPs will quiz ITV bosses over who knew what and when.
The broadcaster has been mired in allegations that senior executives were “blindsided” by Schofield’s affair admission – yet most seemed to know.
The company did question Schofield and his young lover about the “rumours” but both denied anything was going in.
