EastEnders takes home seven gongs at new soap awards show

EastEnders was the major winner at new soap awards hosted by Radio Times, taking home seven gongs.

The flagship BBC series picked up a host of prizes at the inaugural RadioTimes.com Soap Awards on Saturday including best soap and best actor for Angela Wynter, who plays Yolande Trueman.

The awards were unveiled at a star-studded ceremony, hosted by former EastEnders actor Brian Conley, at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.

Among its other wins on the night, EastEnders secured the most inspiring storyline of the year prize for its portrayal of Suki Panesar, played by Balvinder Sopal, coming out to her family and friends.

Suki’s former controlling husband Nish Panesar, played by Navin Chowdhry, who joined Albert Square after being released from prison following 20 years behind bars, landed best villain for his nefarious behaviour.

The storyline which teased that one of the show’s six leading female characters was responsible for a murder at the Queen Vic, dubbed Sixmas, took home best soap moment of the year.

It was revealed on Christmas Day that it was Linda Carter who committed the crime after she faced scrutiny alongside Denise Fox, Kathy Cotton, Sharon Watts, Suki and Stacey Slater.

EastEnders’ George Knight, played by Colin Salmon, confronting his father Eddie was voted by a panel of soap experts as the best episode, while the best exit prize went to Keanu Taylor, played by Danny Walters.

It was previously announced that Emmerdale’s longest-serving cast member Chris Chittell, who has played Eric Pollard in the soap since 1986, was awarded the special recognition prize.

Coronation Street picked up best storyline for its telling of Paul Foreman’s motor neurone disease diagnosis, portrayed by actor Peter Ash.

Young star Charlie Wrenshall, who plays Liam Connor in Corrie, took home the best young performer prize, actress Iz Hesketh won the best newcomer gong for her role as Kitty Draper in Hollyoaks and actress Lisa Riley secured the best comedy performance for her role as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale.

The best twist award went to the moment it was revealed on Hollyoaks that the twins of Mercedes McQueen, played by Jennifer Metcalfe, have different fathers.

Morgan Jeffery, digital editor at Radio Times, said: “Congratulations to all the soaps on their award wins – and especially to EastEnders for an amazing night.

“I’m thrilled for all our nominees and of course our winners – these accolades reflect what has been a terrific year for British soap, delivering all the twists, turns and unbeatable drama that have kept UK audiences hooked for over six decades.”

Helen Daly, associate editor at Radio Times, also congratulated the winners, saying: “All soaps have excelled over the past 12 months and it’s an honour to be able to award them for their efforts.”