Latest news with #TheBritishSoapAwards
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jane McDonald shares 'vomit' fear as she returns to host British Soap Awards
Gearing up to present the British Soap Awards, Jane McDonald admits the pressure is on - and she's even scared of emotions and nerves getting the best of her on the big night. She's a bestselling singer, songwriter and one of our most beloved TV presenters – but that won't stop Jane McDonald from feeling starstruck (and nauseous) when she hosts The British Soap Awards. Jane, 62, is a soap superfan and despite her busy showbiz schedule, she never misses an episode of Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders or Hollyoaks. 'You'd think I'd have a life but I don't, I watch everything,' says Jane. 'Those are the people that I'm starstruck by. I'll try to remember their real names!' Watching her favourite TV stars as themselves is a real thrill for Jane, but she admits her nerves leave her fearing she might be sick. 'It's great to see them letting their hair down and all dressed up, celebrating their craft and having the best night ever,' says Jane. 'But, for me, there'll be a bit of vomit actually because I am starstruck. To be able to present these awards is a massive thing for me. I've never got over being starstruck.' Luckily, Jane has a plan to 'take the edge off' her nerves. 'Vodka tonic just works every time for me,' grins Jane. 'It's a tried-and-tested thing and it works. It's called taking the edge off and it works marvellously. Does that make me a bad person?' Jane's had an incredibly successful showbiz career that snowballed when she stole the show on 1998 docusoap The Cruise . Now, 27 years later, she admits she wishes she could have relaxed more and spent time enjoying her success. 'I've got to a stage now where I'm loving what I do, but I wish I'd enjoyed it a bit more. It takes a long time to get into that comfortable mode. We're blessed when people switch on a button or switch a remote. It's an honour to be in people's houses and you should always remember that.' It's in that spirit that Jane will be attending the afterparty when she's finished hosting duties. It's her second time hosting, after taking over from Phillip Schofield, but the first time Jane's schedule meant she couldn't stay late. Now she intends to make up for lost time – perhaps with a few more vodka and tonics. 'I'm going to be with everybody because I don't have to rush off this time,' says Jane. 'I am going to enjoy myself and mingle a bit more.' Asked if she'll stay until the end, Jane laughs and says, 'Damn right, my shoes might be off, but I'll definitely be there!' Jane plans to spend the night meeting her heroes and telling them how happy they've made her over the years. 'I'm a bit gushy. I'm a bit, 'Oh, I think you're marvellous,'' says Jane. 'It's nice to be told when you're good at something and I like to let them know how much joy they bring to so many, many people. That should be celebrated.' Jane always brings a bit of fashionable sparkle to showbiz occasions – and this year will be no different. Though she draws the line at changing her frock in every ad break. Talking about her evening dress, Jane laughs, 'Give me some sleeves this time! I don't mind showing my cleavage, but cover my arms up.' It might be called The British Soap Awards, but Jane reckons our favourite TV shows have become much more than just soap operas – especially when they pull off big stunts like when Emmerdale crashed a limo into a lake this year. 'It's drama now, it's not just a soap,' says Jane. 'It's not Annie Sugden making scones in the kitchen, is it? It's not doing the sheep dip with Joe. It's people murdering people. There's all sorts of things going on – car crashes, family feuds – but I love the fact that everybody still goes to the pub! Anyway, they have to work extremely hard and do long hours and freeze their nads off in the lake. This is a celebration of an amazing set of people who keep us entertained every night of the week. They work extremely hard. And I take my hat off to them.' Now Jane is hoping the show will also honour one of soap's longest serving stars – Helen Worth, who played Gail Platt in Corrie for 50 years. 'I mean, by God she's been through it, hasn't she?' laughs Jane. 'She's been such a stalwart and a great character. And she brought the Platts up. For goodness sake, she needs an award just for that alone.' The British Soap Awards 2025 air on ITV1 at 8pm on Thursday 5 June.
The Herald Scotland
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals cancer battle to fans
She shared an emotional video of a wig fitting on Instagram. Fans of the show and co-stars have sent their support following the revelation. EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals cancer battle to fans The post by the 49-year-old reads: "This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. "It's been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders. "I needed a wig fitting. I've been on quite a road for many months now. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. "Since then I've undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended. "I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I'd turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. "To conclude - I've just picked up my medal." The EastEnders actress went on to say she is "forever changed", and said during the chemotherapy that she has "narrowed her world", spending time with her wife and children. She said she has "found joy in the simplest of things" and "interactions with others have felt honest and real because I've had no capacity for small talk". She thanked the EastEnders team, her local community, as well as the NHS in the post. The star concluded: "Life feels very different now and it's wonderful. I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. "I feel very lucky. With love, Heather." EastEnders fans and co-stars send love to Heather Peace Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater in the BBC soap, said: "My superhero. Love you always mate." Have you voted yet? Make sure you vote all things #EastEnders at this year's @SoapAwards! #TheBritishSoapAwards 🏆 Link to vote here 👉 — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) May 8, 2025 Meanwhile, Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, said: "I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you." Ian Beale himself, Adam Woodyatt, Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar) and Mollie Rainford (Anna Knight) were among other EastEnders stars to send well-wishes. Fans also sent their love to the EastEnders star. Recommended reading: One said: "So brave. Doing this with a smile on your face. You are an amazing human already." Another said: "Sending such love and strength your way. What a fighter." A third said: "Beautiful wishing you all the love and strength in the rest of your cancer recovery journey."
South Wales Argus
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals cancer battle to fans
Heather Peace, best known for playing Eve Panesar-Unwin in the BBC soap, took to social media to reveal the news. She shared an emotional video of a wig fitting on Instagram. Fans of the show and co-stars have sent their support following the revelation. EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals cancer battle to fans The post by the 49-year-old reads: "This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. "It's been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders. "I needed a wig fitting. I've been on quite a road for many months now. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. "Since then I've undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended. "I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I'd turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. "To conclude - I've just picked up my medal." The EastEnders actress went on to say she is "forever changed", and said during the chemotherapy that she has "narrowed her world", spending time with her wife and children. She said she has "found joy in the simplest of things" and "interactions with others have felt honest and real because I've had no capacity for small talk". She thanked the EastEnders team, her local community, as well as the NHS in the post. The star concluded: "Life feels very different now and it's wonderful. I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. "I feel very lucky. With love, Heather." EastEnders fans and co-stars send love to Heather Peace Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater in the BBC soap, said: "My superhero. Love you always mate." Have you voted yet? Make sure you vote all things #EastEnders at this year's @SoapAwards! #TheBritishSoapAwards 🏆 Link to vote here 👉 — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) May 8, 2025 Meanwhile, Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, said: "I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you." Ian Beale himself, Adam Woodyatt, Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar) and Mollie Rainford (Anna Knight) were among other EastEnders stars to send well-wishes. Fans also sent their love to the EastEnders star. Recommended reading: One said: "So brave. Doing this with a smile on your face. You are an amazing human already." Another said: "Sending such love and strength your way. What a fighter." A third said: "Beautiful wishing you all the love and strength in the rest of your cancer recovery journey."
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
EastEnders star reveals cancer battle and says life feels 'very different now'
An EastEnders star has revealed they have been battling cancer. Heather Peace, best known for playing Eve Panesar-Unwin in the BBC soap, took to social media to reveal the news. She shared an emotional video of a wig fitting on Instagram. Fans of the show and co-stars have sent their support following the revelation. The post by the 49-year-old reads: "This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. "It's been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders. "I needed a wig fitting. I've been on quite a road for many months now. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. "Since then I've undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended. "I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I'd turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. "To conclude - I've just picked up my medal." The EastEnders actress went on to say she is "forever changed", and said during the chemotherapy that she has "narrowed her world", spending time with her wife and children. She said she has "found joy in the simplest of things" and "interactions with others have felt honest and real because I've had no capacity for small talk". She thanked the EastEnders team, her local community, as well as the NHS in the post. The star concluded: "Life feels very different now and it's wonderful. I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. "I feel very lucky. With love, Heather." Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater in the BBC soap, said: "My superhero. Love you always mate." Have you voted yet? Make sure you vote all things #EastEnders at this year's @SoapAwards! #TheBritishSoapAwards 🏆 Link to vote here 👉 — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) May 8, 2025 Meanwhile, Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, said: "I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you." Ian Beale himself, Adam Woodyatt, Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar) and Mollie Rainford (Anna Knight) were among other EastEnders stars to send well-wishes. Fans also sent their love to the EastEnders star. Recommended reading: EastEnders icon to leave BBC soap after 21 years saying 'its time to take a rest' EastEnders star confirms exit after 6 months saying 'I left a couple of weeks ago' EastEnders axe star from BBC soap after 3 years but fans demand 'keep him in' One said: "So brave. Doing this with a smile on your face. You are an amazing human already." Another said: "Sending such love and strength your way. What a fighter." A third said: "Beautiful wishing you all the love and strength in the rest of your cancer recovery journey."
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
British Soap Awards 2025: Nominations announced with EastEnders and Emmerdale set to battle it out for top spot at glitzy ceremony
Emmerdale and EastEnders will battle it out for the top categories at the British Soap Awards 2025 this month, with each show receiving 13 nominations. The two shows have eclipsed rivals Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, who have secured 11 nominations each ahead of the ceremony on May 31. The glitzy event will be returning to London to Hackney Empire, after previously taking place in Manchester, and will once again be hosted by Jane McDonald as it returns following a surprise hiatus last year. As always, the numerous accolades will be presented by an array of well-known faces from across the TV and showbiz world, with the TV event broadcasting a few days later in a primetime slot. The ceremony will celebrate a mammoth year in soaps looking back on 12 months of murder, mystery, make-ups, break ups, trials, tribulations and tears. An incredible year saw Gail Platt depart the cobbles after 50 years in Coronation Street and EastEnders celebrate its 40th anniversary. Lacey Turner has been nominated for Best Leading Performer for her role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders ahead of the May 31 ceremony Meanwhile Hollyoaks leapt a year into the future and in Emmerdale a dramatic limousine crash into a frozen lake left viewers stunned. The Viewer Voted Categories include Best British Soap, Best Leading Performer, Villain of the Year and Best Comedy Performance. The nominees for Best Leading Performer are Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, EastEnders), Kellie Bright (Linda Carter, EastEnders), Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale) and Beth Cordingly (Ruby Miligan, Emmerdale). And the public has a tough choice when it comes to Villain of the Year with Calum Lill (Joel Deering, Coronation Street), Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar, EastEnders), Ned Porteous (Joe Tate, Emmerdale) and Tyler Conti (Abe Fielding, Hollyoaks) to choose from. The Best Comedy Performance category includes Jack P Shepherd (David Platt, Coronation Street), Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson, EastEnders), Nicola Wheeler (Nicola King, Emmerdale) and Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra McQueen, Hollyoaks). The ceremony, which first began in 1999, was rested in 2024 but is back with Jane hosting the ceremony which will air on ITV1 and ITVX in June. Last year's show was suddenly cancelled with no explanation after the nominees had been announced. The June 2023 edition reached 5.7 million viewers in total with just under one million streams on ITVX and a peak of 3.2m viewers via its linear overnight broadcast. Singer and self-confessed soaps lover Jane, 61, stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Phillip Schofield two years ago after he quit ITV after admitting to an affair with a young male This Morning colleague. 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 Host Jane 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.' As well as a host of Panel Voted Categories the winners of the Outstanding Achievement Award and The Tony Warren Award will be announced on the night. Voting for the Viewer Voted Categories is now open via the British Soap Awards website and will close at 5pm on Friday 30 May. British Soap Awards 2025: Full List of Nominations Viewer Voted Categories: Best British Soap: Coronation Street EastEnders Emmerdale Hollyoaks Best Leading Performer: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, EastEnders) Kellie Bright (Linda Carter, EastEnders) Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale) Beth Cordingly (Ruby Miligan, Emmerdale) Villain of the Year: Calum Lill (Joel Deering, Coronation Street) Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar, EastEnders) Ned Porteous (Joe Tate, Emmerdale) Tyler Conti (Abe Fielding, Hollyoaks) Best Comedy Performance: Jack P Shepherd (David Platt, Coronation Street) Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson, EastEnders) Nicola Wheeler (Nicola King, Emmerdale) Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra McQueen, Hollyoaks) Panel Voted Categories: Best Family: The Platts (Coronation Street) The Slaters (EastEnders) The Dingles (Emmerdale) The Osbornes (Hollyoaks) Best Dramatic Performance: Peter Ash (Paul Foreman, Coronation Street) Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell, EastEnders) Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale) Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne, Hollyoaks) Best Single Episode: Mason's death (Coronation Street) Phil's psychosis: the Mitchells in 1985 (EastEnders) April's life on the streets (Emmerdale) Hollyoaks time jump (Hollyoaks) Best On-Screen Partnership: Alison King and Vicky Myers (Carla Connor and Lisa Swain, Coronation Street) Rudolph Walker and Angela Wynter (Patrick and Yolande Trueman, EastEnders) William Ash and Beth Cordingly (Caleb and Ruby Miligan, Emmerdale) Nathaniel Dass and Oscar Curtis (Dillon Ray and Lucas Hay, Hollyoaks) Best Newcomer: Jacob Roberts (Kit Green, Coronation Street) Laura Doddington (Nicola Mitchell, EastEnders) Shebz Miah (Kammy Hadiq, Emmerdale) Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne, Hollyoaks) Best Storyline: Paul's battle with MND (Coronation Street) Phil Mitchell: Hypermasculinity in crisis (EastEnders) Belle and Tom - Domestic Abuse (Emmerdale) Sibling sexual abuse (Hollyoaks) Best Young Performer: Will Flanagan (Joseph Winter-Brown, Coronation Street) Sonny Kendall (Tommy Moon, EastEnders) Amelia Flanagan (April Windsor, Emmerdale) Noah Holdsworth (Oscar Osborne, Hollyoaks) Scene of the Year: Mason's death (Coronation Street) Angie Watts' shock return (EastEnders) Amy's deathly plunge reveals a grisly secret (Emmerdale)
