EastEnders sweeps the board at the first Radio Times Soap Awards as it is awarded seven gongs including Best Soap and Moment Of The Year for the BBC show's Christmas Special
EastEnders proved it is ahead of the soap pack after receiving an incredible seven awards at the first ever RadioTimes.com Soap Awards on Saturday night.
Jennifer Metcalfe, Jorgie Porter and Kirsty-Leigh Porter led the arrivals at the at The Midland Hotel in London as the stars of soapland attended the ceremony.
EastEnders hotly-anticipated 2023 Christmas episode - dubbed Sixmas - was awarded with Best Moment Of The Year, after fans waited on tenterhooks for months to find out who would be murdered during the festive special.
Keanu Taylor [Danny Walters] was murdered by Linda Carter [Kellie Bright], and six characters were seen surrounding his dead body; Denise Fox (Diane Parish), Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth), Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal).
The long-running BBC stalwart was also awarded the coveted Best Soap, as it beat out rivals Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
EastEnders proved it is ahead of the soap pack after receiving an incredible seven awards at the first ever RadioTimes.com Soap Awards on Saturday night
The awards ceremony attracted EastEnders icons Michelle Collins and Ian Beale, who posed together on the red carpet ahead of the ceremony
The soap also swept the board in the Best Villain which was awarded to Navin Chowdhry, Best Episode, Most Inspiring Storyline, Best Actor and Best Exit which was awarded to Danny.
Helen Daly, Associate Editor, Radio Times, said: 'All soaps have excelled over the past 12 months and it's an honour to be able to award them for their efforts.'
Morgan Jeffery, Digital Editor, 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.'
The event was hosted Brian Conley and ended with EastEnders being crowned winner of the award Best Soap, one of several categories that was voted for by fans.
The only fan voted category which didn't go to EastEnders was Best Comedy Performance, which was given to Lisa Riley.
The soap also swept the board in the Best Villain which was awarded to Navin Chowdhry (pictured left), Best Episode and Most Inspiring Storyline
A panel of experts voted for Coronation Street's Charlie Wrenshall for Best Young Performer (pictured left)
Angela Wynter, who was awarded Best Actor, looked lovely in a flowing black and white dress
A panel of experts voted for Coronation Street's Charlie Wrenshall for Best Young Performer, Hollyoaks' Iz Hesketh for Best Newcomer and EastEnders star Angela Wynter for Best Actor.
The big reveal that Mercedes' [Jennifer Metcalfe] twins had different dads was awarded Best Twist and George confronting Eddie in EastEnders was dubbed Best Episode.
Paul's motor neurone disease diagnosis in Coronation Street was given recognition as it received the Best Storyline award.
Chris Chittell was awarded a Special Recognition gong for his 40-year run on Emmerdale as character Eric Pollard.
During the evening. Hollyoaks veteran Jennifer, 40, who plays Mercedes McQueen, showcased her killer figure in a skimpy nude co-ord on the red carpet.
The actress wore the nude top with a semi-sheer maxi skirt, which revealed her toned abs as she posed up a storm at the awards ceremony.
The pregnant Hollyoaks actress, 36, showcased her growing bump in a strapless metallic gown, which featured a thigh slit up the leg.
She wore her brunette locks in soft waves and accessorised with a pair of drop earrings, a selection of rings and a black bag.
During the evening. Hollyoaks veteran Jennifer, 40, who plays Mercedes McQueen, showcased her killer figure in a skimpy nude co-ord on the red carpet
The pregnant Hollyoaks actress, 36, showcased her growing bump in a strapless metallic gown, which featured a thigh slit up the leg
Meanwhile, Kirsty-Leigh Porter pushed the boundaries with her ensemble, as she sported a racy double thigh slit gown, which showcased her shapely pins
Jorgie wore her hair in a pretty up do and opted for a full face of make-up
Jorgie, who is pregnant with her second child, boosted her petite frame with a pair of strappy heels and added a padded Gucci bag to the look.
The soap star is hoping to collect the gong for Best Comedy Performance, for her role as Theresa McQueen in the long-running Channel 4 soap.
Meanwhile, Kirsty-Leigh Porter pushed the boundaries with her ensemble, as she sported a racy double thigh slit gown, which showcased her shapely pins.
Kirsty, 35, who also appears in Hollyoaks, stunned in the blue sequin dress, which featured semi-sheer panels and a high neck.
Kirsty wore her head piled on top of her head, with strands left loose framing her pretty features, completing her look with glamorous make-up.
The awards ceremony attracted EastEnders icons Michelle Collins and Ian Beale, who posed together on the red carpet ahead of the ceremony.
Michelle, who plays Ian's wife Cindy Beale, has been nominated in two categories for Best Storyline and Best Twist.
Also attending from the BBC soap was Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick, who have been nominated for 'inspiring' storyline Jay and Honey run the London Marathon.
The actress wore the nude top with a semi-sheer maxi skirt, which revealed her toned abs as she posed up a storm at the awards ceremony
Jorgie, who is pregnant with her second child, boosted her petite frame with a pair of strappy heels and added a padded Gucci bag to the look
Celebrating the 'very best of the much-loved British TV soaps, the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards 2024 is held at The Midland Hotel in Manchester
Also in attendance was Coronation Street star Channique Sterling-Brown, who plays Dee-Dee Bailey, looked elegant in a black dress with a big white bow
Ruby O'Donnell, known for her role as Peri Lomax in Hollyoaks, opted for a stylish LBD
Rosie styled the look with a pair of strappy stilettos
Coronation Street's Cait Fitton, who plays Lauren Bolton, ensured all eyes were on her
Nancy Hayton actress Jessica Fox looked demure in a black dress with a cropepd blazer
Anna Passey, who plays Sienna Blake in Hollyoaks, opted for a pretty pink dress
Vicky Myers cut an ethereal figure in a green dress with puff sleeves
Tamara Wall dazzled in a black gown with cape-style sleeves
Danny Miller, Lawrence Robb and James Chase were suited and booted for the ocassion
Emma, who plays Honey Mitchell, looked chic in a black jumpsuit which had sheer sleeves, styled with a glam up do.
Also in attendance was Coronation Street star Channique Sterling-Brown, who plays Dee-Dee Bailey, looked elegant in a black dress with a big white bow.
She wore her braided her in a chic bun and added a pop of colour with a slick of red lipstick, while also incorporating a pair of black stilettos.
Celebrating the 'very best of the much-loved British TV soaps, the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards 2024 is held at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.
Soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks battle it out for top Awards in the industry and acknowledge the unforgettable moments and extraordinary talent that make them a beloved staple of British culture.
The categories and nominations include: Best Soap, Best Villain, Best Comedy, Best Exit, Soap Moment of the Year, Inspiring Storyline of the Year, Best Actor, Best Storyline, Best Newcomer, Best Twist, Best Young Performer and Best Episode.
This year's event honors powerful storylines featuring themes such as rape, murder, transgender, gay outings, and diagnoses of motor neurone disease and Parkinson's.
Fans have been eagerly voting for their soap favourites in six of the 12 categories, including Best Soap.
A further six awards will be decided by a panel of soap experts, and RadioTimes.com will also be awarding the Special Recognition award to a star who has made a 'significant contribution to the world of TV and Soaps'.
EastEnders stars Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick attend the ceremony
Ellie Dadd, Jaden Ladega and Angela Wynter posed together on the red carpet
Hollyoaks star Harvey Virdi looked lovely in a black dress with glizy brogues
David Ames cut a dapper figure in a grey suit with a white shirt
Emmerdale icon Chris Chittell attended the ceremony with his wife Lesley Dunlop
Emmerdale actress Rebecca Bakes looked fashionable in a blue gown
Karen Blick, Louise Jameson and Beth Cordingly posed together
Corrie's Jodie Prenger wowed in a blue ruffled gown and matching shoes
Keanu Taylor actor Danny Walters looked suave in a double-breasted suit and shirt
Liam McCheyne looked smart in a velvet waistcoat and jacket
Calum Lill opted for an eye-catching blue checked suit and a white T-shirt
EastEnders stars Francesca Henry and Matt Di Angelo posed on the red carpet
Jaden Ladega looked smart in a black velvet jacket and suit trousers
The categories and nominations for the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards, sponsored by Inspired Villages include: Best Soap, Best Villain, Best Comedy, Best Exit, Soap Moment of the Year, Inspiring Storyline of the Year, Best Actor, Best Storyline, Best Newcomer, Best Twist, Best Young Performer and Best Episode.
A press release for the event, sponsored by Inspired Villages, said it 'will see talent, writers, producers and actors from 'Coronation Street', 'EastEnders', 'Emmerdale' and 'Hollyoaks' walk the red carpet at the Midland Hotel in Manchester'.
Morgan Jeffery, executive editor of RadioTimes.com, said: 'I'm delighted to be launching the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards – a first for the brand and a thrilling celebration of all the hard work that goes into producing the soaps, which have kept millions hooked this past year.
'Hilarious, heartfelt and gripping, there's nothing else on TV quite like them and we'll be marking their greatest achievements of the past 12 months, with fans helping to decide who wins on the night.'
Helen Daly, associate editor of RadioTimes.com, added: 'It's so exciting to be launching the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards in 2024.
'The past 12 months have seen our beloved soaps deliver dramatic twists, explosive reveals and epic stunts – and we can't wait to celebrate the best of the business.
'We've got an exciting night lined up on 13 July and we're excited to raise a glass to a room packed full of soap talent, on and off camera.'
The celebs have dazzled this evening as they rigorously prepared for a night of glitz, glamour, and celebration as they honored the heart and soul of British television.
