Glamor reigned supreme on the red carpet of the British Soap Awards 2023 at The Lowry in Salford on Saturday night.
And Claire Sweeney looked sensational as she led the way in a stunning off the shoulder floor length red fishtail dress.
The 52-year-old actress, who announced she would be joining the cast of Coronation Street in April, posed confidently with her hand on her hip as she arrived at the star-studded party, while the train of her dress tucked alongside stretched across the floor.
Her garment featured shimmering gold trim detailing at the waist and neckline, and Claire carried it with a sequined clutch bag in the same colour.
She wore a pair of gold open toe heels to add an inch to her stature and complemented them with some dangling earrings for the evening.
A vision: Claire Sweeney, 52, looked sensational in a stunning strapless floor-length red fishtail dress as she walked the red carpet at the British Soap Awards 2023 at The Lowry in Salford on Saturday night
In detail: Her garment featured shimmering gold detailing at the waist and neckline, and Claire carried it with a sequined clutch bag in the same colour
Claire, of fame on former soap opera Brookside, wore heavy make-up to emphasize her pretty features and opted for a bold red lip.
She has already started filming for the ITV series and her first scenes will air on Wednesday 28 June.
This year’s British Soap Awards host is Jane McDonald, chosen as a last-minute replacement for longtime presenter Phillip Schofield.
Opera singer and cruise favorite Jane, 60, was announced as Phillip’s successor on Thursday after he left ITV and has been fired from his talent agency YMU after admitting an affair with a young male colleague of This Morning.
He admitted to having an “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a man during his marriage to Stephanie Lowe and previously denied the affair when his agent asked him about it.
The 61-year-old presenter confirmed in a statement last week that he had resigned from all his ITV jobs, including the ceremony.
And when it was announced that Jane would be taking the helm, fans hailed the star as the “perfect choice” to host the ceremony, which will be held at The Lowry in Salford, Greater Manchester.
Before hosting the awards ceremony, Jane said, “Oh my god… everyone knows how much I LOVE my soap operas. This year I had the honor of being mentioned in Corrie, EastEnders and Emmerdale. So this is just a dream come true.” .
“Can’t wait to see all of our wonderful soap opera nominees and celebrate all their hard work with them – let’s go for the awards, I can’t wait!”
Meanwhile, the five biggest soap operas – Coronation Street, Doctors, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks – compete for recognition for their work over the past year.
The big and good of the soap world will walk the red carpet at the star-studded and most glamorous event on the soap calendar, which will be televised Tuesday.
And after a sensational year of exciting drama, shocking scandals and action-packed stunts, it will be a hard-fought competition to see who will win the coveted gong.
This year’s nominees include Charlotte Jordan (Coronation Street), Chris Walker (Doctors), Danielle Harold (EastEnders), Jeff Hordley (Emmerdale) and Nikki Sanderson (Hollyoaks) for Best Dramatic Performance.
While Todd Boyce (Coronation Street), Laura White (Doctors), Aaron Thiara (EastEnders), Michael Wildman (Emmerdale) and Angus Castle-Doughty (Hollyoaks) will compete for Villain of the Year.
Meanwhile, it’s been a stellar year for soap opera storylines, with heartfelt plots that get people talking and viewers screaming at their screens in both frustration and excitement.
Plots for the Best Storyline category include Loving And Losing Lola for EastEnders, Paddy’s Suicide Attempt for Emmerdale, and Incel Eric Targets Mason And Maxine for Hollyoaks.
Scene of the Year contenders include Acid Attack for Coronation Street, Hell Is Empty for Doctors and Whitney and Zack Say Goodbye To Peach for EastEnders.
Best Single Episode is also up for grabs with titles like EastEnders’ Goodbye Dot, Emmerdale’s All Male Man Club and Hollyoaks’ The Long Walk Home.
Stars from the soap operas also compete to win awards including Best Newcomer, Best Family, Best Comedy Performance, Best On-Screen Partnership and Best Newcomer.
Whilst all five best soaps are sure to be vying for the grand prize – Best British Soap – which Emmerdale won last year.
Outstanding Achievement Prize and Tony Warren Award winners will be announced tonight.
Jennifer Metcalfe was spotted with curlers in her hair before the Soap Awards red carpet in Manchester on Saturday afternoon.
Former Celebrity Big Brother flatmate and West End star Claire has taken on the role of Cassie in Corrie, the mother of Weatherfield mechanic Tyrone Dobbs.
The Hollyoaks actress, 39,
