The 2025 Inside Soap Awards have officially wrapped, and two of Britain’s biggest soaps—Coronation Street and EastEnders—emerged as

the night’s biggest winners. The glittering event, hosted in London on Sunday evening, saw cast members from across the soap world gather

in celebration, with red carpet glamour, emotional speeches, and plenty of surprises. While all shows received recognition, it was Corrie and EastEnders that dominated the winners’ list, reaffirming their status as titans of the UK soap industry.

 

 

Coronation Street’s Victories

For Coronation Street, the evening was nothing short of spectacular. The long-running ITV soap scooped up several major awards, including Best Soap, a prize that reflected the powerful storylines and compelling performances delivered throughout the past year.

 

 

One of the biggest moments for Corrie came when Sally Ann Matthews (Jenny Connor) accepted the award for Best Actress, following her character’s emotionally charged storylines around love, betrayal, and personal redemption. Matthews thanked fans for their unwavering support, dedicating the win to the Corrie team: “This award belongs to every single one of us on that cobbled street. We tell these stories for you, and we’re so grateful that you’ve taken them into your hearts.”

 

 

Meanwhile, Ryan Prescott (Ryan Connor) claimed the title of Best Actor after a gripping year of addiction struggles, relationship drama, and powerful emotional arcs. His performance was hailed as raw, vulnerable, and deeply human, cementing his place as one of Corrie’s strongest talents.

The soap also triumphed in the Best Villain category, with Todd Boyce (Stephen Reid) taking the prize. Reid’s chilling reign of terror may have ended in his on-screen demise, but fans clearly loved to hate him, making him one of the most talked-about villains in recent Corrie history.

 

 

EastEnders’ Big Night

Not to be outdone, EastEnders also made a massive impact at the ceremony. The BBC soap took home awards for Best Family (the Mitchells), reminding fans of the clan’s enduring power in Walford.

Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater) once again proved her status as a fan-favourite, winning Best Dramatic Performance for Stacey’s intense mental health storyline. In her emotional speech, Turner highlighted the importance of telling authentic, relatable stories: “We work hard to make sure these storylines resonate with real people going through real struggles. Thank you for trusting us to tell them.”

Another highlight for EastEnders was Best Partnership, awarded to Perry Fenwick and Letitia Dean (Billy Mitchell and Sharon Watts). Their long-running friendship, filled with humour and heartfelt moments, struck a chord with viewers and reminded fans of the show’s ability to balance high drama with warmth and relatability.

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the night came when Jamie Borthwick (Jay Brown) received Best Young Performance. Following Jay’s heartbreaking storylines of grief and loss, Borthwick was visibly moved, saying: “Jay’s journey has been incredibly tough to play, but I’ve been blown away by the messages from viewers who’ve connected with his pain.”

The Rivalry That Fuels Excellence

For years, Coronation Street and EastEnders have enjoyed a friendly but fierce rivalry, competing not only for ratings but also for awards recognition. The 2025 Inside Soap Awards was a perfect reflection of that dynamic, with both soaps walking away with armfuls of trophies and fans debating online about which show truly “won” the night.

Social media buzzed throughout the ceremony, with hashtags like #InsideSoapAwards2025, #Corrie, and #EastEnders trending across the UK. Fans celebrated their favourites while playfully sparring about which soap delivered the best year of storytelling.

One EastEnders viewer posted: “Walford was on fire this year. Stacey, Sharon, Jay—their storylines were iconic. Totally deserved wins!” Meanwhile, a Corrie fan countered: “Corrie has been unstoppable. Ryan Connor’s storyline broke me. Sally Ann Matthews is a queen. This is Corrie’s year, no question.”

The State of British Soaps in 2025

The Inside Soap Awards not only highlighted the individual achievements of Corrie and EastEnders but also reinforced the enduring appeal of British soaps as a whole. Despite the rise of streaming platforms and changing viewing habits, soaps continue to captivate millions, offering a unique blend of community drama, relatable struggles, and unforgettable characters.

Industry experts noted that both Corrie and EastEnders have successfully balanced traditional soap storytelling with bold, modern narratives. From Corrie’s hard-hitting explorations of crime and trauma to EastEnders’ fearless approach to mental health and social issues, the soaps remain vital cultural touchstones.

Final Thoughts

As the 2025 Inside Soap Awards came to a close, it was clear that Coronation Street and EastEnders had reaffirmed their dominance, delivering unforgettable storylines, powerhouse performances, and moments that will linger in fans’ memories for years to come.

With Corrie crowned Best Soap and EastEnders sweeping several of the night’s most emotional categories, both shows left the ceremony with their heads held high. The rivalry between the cobbles and Walford continues—but in the end, the real winners are the viewers, who get to enjoy the very best of both worlds.

📺 Catch Coronation Street on ITV and EastEnders on BBC One, as the drama continues to unfold in Britain’s most beloved soap streets.