‘Coronation Street’ and ‘EastEnders’ took seven prizes each at the British Soap Awards last night.
The big award – for Best British Soap – went to ‘EastEnders’, but the Best Single Episode was won by ‘Coronation Street’ for Becky’s Final Farewell.
Katherine Kelly, who played Becky McDonald on the ITV soap until earlier this year, also won the prize for Best Exit.
The Best Actor gong was taken by Danny Miller from ‘Emmerdale’ for the second year in a row for his portrayal of Aaron Livesy, while Best Actress was given to Alison King from ‘Coronation Street’ for her role as a factory owner who has been raped by her fiancé.
Commenting on the part, she said: “It’s been really emotional. I get a lot of letters from people who could relate to the story.”
Pam St Clement, who has played Pat Butcher in ‘EastEnders’ for 25 years before recently leaving the soap, was given a standing ovation when she picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award.
She said: “It’s not often I’m at a loss for words but I really am.
This has come as such a surprise.”
‘EastEnders’ Scott Maslen won the prize for Sexiest Male, while Michelle Keegan won the female version.
Sexiest Male – ‘EastEnders’: Scott Maslen (Jack Branning)
Sexiest Female – ‘Coronation Street’: Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre)
Villain of the Year – ‘Coronation Street’: Andrew Lancel (Frank Foster)
Best Actor – ‘Emmerdale’: Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy)
Best Actress – ‘Coronation Street’: Alison King (Carla Connor)
Best Comedy Performance – ‘Coronation Street’: Stephanie Cole (Sylvia Goodwin)
Best Young Performance – ‘EastEnders’: Lorna Fitzgerald (Abi Branning)
Spectacular Scene of the Year – ‘Emmerdale’: John & Moira's car accident
Best On-Screen Partnership – ‘EastEnders’: Jake Wood and Jo Joyner (Max Branning and Tanya Jessop)
Best Newcomer – ‘Coronation Street’: Natalie Gumede (Kirsty Soames).
Best Exit – ‘Coronation Street’: Katherine Kelly (Becky McDonald)
Best Dramatic Performance – ‘EastEnders’: Jo Joyner (Tanya Jessop)
Best Storyline – ‘Emmerdale’: Jackson's choice
Best Single Episode – ‘Coronation Street’: Becky's Final Farewell
Lifetime Achievement Award – ‘EastEnders’: Pam St Clement
Special Achievement Award – ‘EastEnders’: Simon Ashdown, series consultant writer
Best British Soap – ‘EastEnders’