The world of soap is still recovering today after an epic night of partying at the Inside Soap Awards 2025! Often praised by some of your

favourite stars as the most fun event in the soaps calendar, the ceremony went off with a bang as Coronation Street, EastEnders and

Emmerdale all celebrated major victories. Check out the winners list here if you need to catch up, and don’t miss our red carpet gallery too!

 

Digital Spy was given full access to the event, from red carpet chats to partying with the stars on the dancefloor. So if you want some exclusive gossip on what took place behind closed doors at the party, read on…

EastEnders favourite Heather Peace was named Soap Superstar of the Year at the ceremony, after a strong show of support from fans in the voting.

 

 

Inside Soap readers had hailed Heather’s “courageous and inspiring” portrayal of Eve Panesar-Unwin, calling her “a Northern powerhouse” and “an icon who has always fought for others”.

Proving that there’s just no stopping #Sukeve, Balvinder Sopal – who plays Eve’s wife Suki – was present to hand over the gong.

As last year’s winner in the category, there was no better person to hand it over – with some soap-style jeopardy involved as Bal rushed to be there on time after a gruelling day of Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals!

 

 

Heather’s speech upon receiving the prize was undoubtedly the most moving moment of the night. She spoke openly about continuing to film EastEnders after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year and how much she appreciated the support from her castmates, who constantly checked in with her during her journey.

It was genuinely heartwarming to hear how the entire Walford team had rallied round Heather – and how much the fans’ recognition meant to her.

“Thank you to everybody who’s voted for me – all the fans,” Heather said. “This feels like a full stop on a very, very difficult… not just one year, but two years of my life as my wife had breast cancer just before me.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything special to warrant this, to be honest, because I needed work more than work needed me.

“My colleagues at EastEnders are funny, they’re solid, they’re safe and they’re loving and I would not have wanted anything other than to be around the cast and crew of EastEnders at any given opportunity during my illness.

“They lifted me, they made me laugh – and they let me be me, in whatever way I showed up.”

Heather’s speech earned a standing ovation from all of the guests in attendance and left some watching in tears.

Meanwhile, Bal said: “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather hand the baton over to. Through her character, this year’s winner has touched the heart of so many soap fans.”

It was a big night for another soap supercouple, as the success of Coronation Street’s Swarla was recognised in two categories. Vicky Myers and Alison King were named Best Partnership for their portrayal of Lisa Swain and Carla Connor, while Vicky was also awarded Best Actress after a year of huge storylines.

Vicky also made a well-received speech on the night, reflecting on how the character of Lisa has grown over the years.

“Four years ago, I turned up on the cobbles as a guest artist for four episodes – then four years later I’m collecting this, which is extraordinary,” she said.

“Thank you to everybody at Coronation Street for welcoming me with open arms and all the support and the guidance and the support to the Connor-Swains, who make every day on set an absolute joy.”

She added: “But also, congratulations to all the other actresses in this category – many of whom I’ve watched for years as an aspiring actress and felt inspired. So thank you for continually raising the bar so high.”

Neighbours star Stefan Dennis also took a break from those tiring Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals to be present at the Inside Soap Awards.

He attended alongside his Strictly partner Dianne Buswell – and the Strictly Come Dancing crew were also in attendance to capture the moment for an upcoming VT in this week’s show, so make sure you tune in for a look at how it all went.

Stefan was proud as punch as he accepted the Outstanding Achievement award on behalf of Neighbours’ cast and crew.

But up on stage, Stefan couldn’t resist speaking his mind as he publicly questioned why Neighbours has been axed again, pointing out its strong ratings on Prime Video and enduring fan support.

“Ask Amazon!” he quipped as his speech ended.

Ayisha Salem-Towner, who played Nell Rebecchi, was also in attendance to represent the Neighbours cast.