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The British Soap Awards are to undergo a surprise shake-up this year, with the Sexiest Male and Sexiest Female prizes axed.

The two categories have been present throughout the 16-year history of the awards, but will not be part of the 2015 ceremony.

Sexiest Male and Sexiest Female were two of the awards voted for by viewers each year, alongside Best Actor, Best Actress, Villain of the Year and the coveted prize for Best British Soap.

Coronation Street's Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) claimed the Sexiest Female prize for the sixth consecutive year in 2014, while Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac (Dodger Savage) was the most recent Sexiest Male victor. Both have since left their respective soaps.

While the 'sexy' categories have been dropped, 2015's ceremony will see the introduction of a brand new award, which will reward the best portrayal of issue-based storylines.

A British Soap Awards spokesperson told the Daily Star Sunday: "We've refreshed some of the voting categories to ensure the awards remain as relevant and popular as the soaps."

The British Soap Awards 2015 will take place in Manchester on Saturday, May 16 and will once again be a battle between Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and daytime drama Doctors.

Longlist voting will open on Monday (March 30) via the British Soap Awards website.

Digital Spy