The British Soap Awards will follow in the footsteps of the BRIT Awards and other ceremonies in 2022 in making its awards gender-neutral.

As reported by Deadline instead of awarding Best Actor and Best Actress, stars from the soaps will all be in the running for one award, Best Leading Performer.

This is one of three categories voted for by viewers, among 14 trophies being handed out on the night.

When are the UK bank holidays for 2022?

The Soap Awards are returning in June after a two-year hiatus and will be hosted by ITV presenter Philip Schofield from London’s Hackney Empire.

This year saw the BRIT Awards scrap gender classifications for the first time, with Adele beating other artists including Ed Sheeran to Artist of the Year.

What was the reaction to this decision?

On Good Morning Britain yesterday (Monday, April 18) journalist Rebecca Reid insisted the move would come at a detriment to women, who are already underrepresented in the industry. 

She said: "It would be better if women were on an equal playing field with men wouldn't it, but unfortunately we know that's not really the case in a lot of industries.

"Particularly in music and performing arts where women generally-speaking win fewer awards and generally-speaking, older women tend to be disadvantaged.

However, broadcaster India Willoughby, who was also on the show, argued that the show was just "moving with the times" and that it allowed non-binary people to not be forced into one particular category.