Camp icon Jane McDonald has been named as the new presenter of this year's British Soap Awards.

Phillip Schofield had been due to return as host but left ITV last month after admitting to lying about having an affair with a younger colleague on This Morning.

Now McDonald - a former Loose Women panellist - has been drafted in to take the reins and will preside over the awards this Saturday at The Lowry in Salford.

"Oh my god... everyone knows how much I LOVE my soaps," said McDonald. "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!"

The ceremony will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX next Tuesday at 8pm.