Corrie crowned top soap

It is the first time 'Coronation Street' has won the title at the Inside Soap awards in more than a decade.

Inside Soap magazine editor Steven Murphy said: "This was one of the most hotly contested years for the Inside Soap Awards, and it's wonderful to see so many new names on the winners' list.

"The race for Best Soap was neck and neck until voting closed, which just proves what an outstanding year it's been in soapland."

'Coronation Street' star Antony Cotton, who plays barman Sean Tully, won Best Actor.

"I've won the big one this year, and I'm very very pleased that they chose me,” said Cotton. “I don't act because of it but it's nice that someone thinks I'm doing well."

Rob James-Collier, the Street's Liam Connor, took the awards for Sexiest Male and Best Newcomer.

Actor Jack P Shepherd won Best Bad Boy for his part as Corrie's David Platt.

'EastEnders' star Lacey Turner won Best Actress for her role as Stacey Slater.

Together with on-screen fiance Charlie Clements (Bradley Branning), she also won the award for Best Couple.

"It feels wonderful, it makes me want to go to work every day," she said.

Best Bitch was won by Sophie Thompson, who played Phil Mitchell's crazed lover Stella.

Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann in 'EastEnders') won the award for Best-Dressed soap star, while Stella's torment of Phil's son, Ben, took Best Storyline.

'Emmerdale' celebrated two gongs, including Best Young Actor for Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle).

The soap's Charlie Hardwick was awarded this year's Funniest Performance as Val Lambert.

'Hollyoaks actress' Roxanne McKee, who plays Louise Summers, was named Sexiest Actress.

'The Bill' was awarded Best Drama for the second year running.

'Coronation Street' was also named Best Soap at the TVQuick and TVChoice awards earlier this month.

The awards were voted for by readers of Inside Soap magazine.

The winners:

Best Actor: Antony Cotton (Sean Tully, Coronation Street)

Best Actress: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, EastEnders)

Sexiest Male: Rob James-Collier (Liam Connor, Coronation Street)

Sexiest Female: Roxanne McKee (Louise Summers, Hollyoaks)

Best Young Actor: Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale)

Best Newcomer: Rob James-Collier (Liam Connor, Coronation Street)

Best Bad Boy: Jack P Shepherd (David Platt, Coronation Street)

Best Bitch: Sophie Thompson (Stella Crawford, EastEnders)

Best Couple: Lacey Turner and Charlie Clements (Stacey and Bradley, EastEnders)

Funniest Character: Charlie Hardwick (Val Lambert, Emmerdale)

Best-Dressed: Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann, EastEnders)

Best Drama: The Bill

Best Storyline: Stella's torment of Ben (EastEnders)

Best Soap: Coronation Street