Grieving Phil to continue with Soap Awards

Phillip Schofield has confirmed that he will host the British Soap Awards as planned tonight, despite the death of his father.

The presenter took compassionate leave from This Morning this week to be at the bedside of his dad Brian, who had been suffering from heart disease. On Thursday, the ailing 72-year-old passed away.

"It has been the longest, toughest, saddest week of our lives, made more heartbreaking because we are such a close family," Schofield told The Sun.

Phillip had previously saved the life of his father in 1981 after he suffered a heart attack. Referring to the incident, the TV host continued: "I managed to bring him back to life more than 25 years ago so he not only borrowed time, he stole it. In those years he saw his grandchildren grow up and shared countless wonderful times with us all. If I can be half the man he was I'll consider that an achievement."

Schofield added that he has decided to continue with his Soap Awards commitments because his father "would have wanted me to carry on".

The ceremony, which is also hosted by Fern Britton, will air on Wednesday at 8pm on ITV1.