Coronation Street and EastEnders win big at the Inside Soap Awards 2025

Corrie’s cast were celebrating this evening following the big news that the long-running show has earned the Best Soap title for the second year in a row.

In a strong showing across the categories, Corrie also picked up the gongs for Best Actress (Vicky Myers), Best Partnership (Vicky Myers and Alison King as Lisa and Carla), Best Comic Performance (Jack P Shepherd) and Best Storyline (Mason’s death and Abi’s PTSD).

Inside Soap’s editor Sarah Ellis commented: “It’s been an incredible year of drama, and the results in our Best Soap category were the closest they’ve ever been.

“Corrie’s win tops off a stellar year for the soap, and is no doubt helped by the huge popularity of Best Partnership winners Alison King and Vicky Myers, aka fan favourites Swarla.”

 

Over 90,000 votes were cast in the awards, which remain the only ones of their kind to be chosen entirely by the viewers.

EastEnders also did well, with Steve McFadden crowned Best Actor after his powerful performances in Phil Mitchell’s mental health storyline.

Heather Peace took home the coveted Soap Superstar of the Year prize after Inside Soap readers hailed her “courageous and inspiring” portrayal of Eve Panesar-Unwin, calling her “a Northern powerhouse” and “an icon who has always fought for others”.

Elsewhere, Laura Doddington was named Best Newcomer for her unforgettable debut as Nicola Mitchell, Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar) was awarded the Best Villain title for the second year in a row, and James Bye won Best Exit after his character Martin Fowler’s death in the 40th anniversary live episode.

Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes//BBC
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Emmerdale’s three prizes were Best Family for the Dingles, which they took home for the fifth time, Best Young Performer for Amelia Flanagan (April Windsor) and Best Showstopper for the devastating limo crash.

Other highlights included special recognition prizes for Nick Pickard after his incredible 30-year run in Hollyoaks as Tony Hutchinson, and the cast and crew of Neighbours in celebration of the show’s amazing 40-year legacy, ahead of the final ever episodes this December.

Editor Sarah Ellis added: “All of the soaps have shone brightly in 2025. The fact that this year’s trophies are so evenly spread just goes to show what a strong year the whole genre is having.

“It really bodes well for the future of our soaps, especially as we gear up for the big Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover at the start of 2026. There’s never been a more exciting time to be a soap fan!”