'EastEnders' triumphs at Inside Soap Awards

Channel 4 soap 'Hollyoaks' won one award, with the Best Family title going to The McQueens, while Emmerdale went away empty-handed.

ITV police show 'The Bill' collected the award for Best Drama for the fourth year running.

Best Actor went to 'Coronation Street' star Gray O'Brien, for his portrayal of twisted Tony Gordon, whose antics have included ordering the killing of his love rival, Liam Connor.

'EastEnders' actor John Partridge, who plays openly gay Christian Clarke, was named Sexiest Male, while Michelle Keegan ('Coronation Street' character Tina McIntyre) triumphed in the Sexiest Female category.

Best Bad Boy was taken by 'EastEnders' star Larry Lamb for his role as scheming Archie Mitchell, who constructed a web of lies to keep his daughter Ronnie (Samantha Womack) from knowing she was the mother of Danielle Jones (Lauren Crace).

The gripping tale of Archie's torment and Danielle's death scooped the Best Storyline award.

Best Bitch was picked up by Charlie Brooks ('EastEnders' charactert Janine Butcher), who has won the award twice before.

'Coronation Street' star Craig Gazey (Graeme Proctor) collected the award for Best Newcomer, after winning in the same category at the British Soap Awards in May.

Steven Murphy, editor of Inside Soap magazine, said: "This was one of the most hotly contested years for the Inside Soap Awards.

"Many categories were neck and neck until voting closed, which just proves what an outstanding year it's been in soapland.

"It was Inside Soap's biggest and best party ever and it's wonderful to see so many new names on the winners' list."

Collecting the award for Best Soap along with his co-stars, Charlie G Hawkins (Darren Miller) said the 'EastEnders' cast had put in a lot of "hard graft".

He added: "We've had highs and lows but as long as we keep doing good and keep the fans happy they keep watching."

Best Actress winner Lacey Turner said: "It really means a lot to me. Thank you very much from everyone from EastEnders for this opportunity and for all the help and support."

Giving his acceptance speech in a pre-recorded video, Best Actor Gray O'Brien said it was "quite a shock" to win.

He added: "I'm touched and honoured. I didn't know any of you watched it."

Collecting his award for Best Newcomer, Coronation Street actor Craig Gazey made a dig at rival soap 'Emmerdale', which went away empty-handed.

He joked that fellow nominee Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy) had asked for help with his acceptance speech.

Gazey added: "Only joking. I'm sure Emmerdale has won lots of others. Sorry guys."

TV presenter George Lamb handed out the award for Best Bad Boy to his father Larry.

Accepting it, the actor said: "I've never won a television award before. It's truly exciting and I do appreciate it."