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Simon Duke

Jane McDonald has British Soap Awards viewers making ITV demand moments into show

Jane McDonald took over from Phillip Schofield as the host of this year's British Soap Awards and the ceremony's new presenter had many viewers saying exactly the same thing, just minutes into the show - they want ITV to give her the job on a full time basis.

Last month, on the same day that Phillip announced he was leaving his role as This Morning host, after 21 years in the job, he assured fans he wasn't parted ways with ITV entirely and would be back to front the Soap Awards, another role he's occupied for years.

However, just a week later, Phillip released a bombshell statement, in which he confessed to having an affair with a young This Morning colleague and, as well as being dropped by his agents, left ITV with immediate effect. This left a vacancy for Soap Awards presenter and, after the likes of Joel Dommett and Dermot O'Leary were hotly tipped by bookies to poach the role, it was Jane who was announced as the person for the job, just two days before Saturday night's ceremony.

READ MORE: Britain's Got Talent's Viggo Venn pulls out of ITV appearance and 'silent' after win in final

The awards bash aired on ITV1 on Tuesday night and, within moments of her appearing on stage at the Lowry Theatre, former The Cruise and Loose Women star Jane received the firm backing of plenty of viewers at home.

Taking to Twitter, one reacted: "how fantastic is Jane McDonald at presenting the soap awards. I can tell it's not just a presenting gig for her. It's something she's passionate about." Also championing Jane, who won a BAFTA for her Channel 5 series Cruising with Jane McDonald, another fan tweeted: "Can we have Jane McDonald every year, please?"

And, another fan calling for Jane to be handed the Soap Award gig permanently, commented: "I know its only just started but Jane McDonald is a fabulous host!!!"

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