The Inside Soap Awards 2023 kicked off on Monday night at the Salsa Temple in London, with some of the biggest names in serial drama in attendance at the glittering event.
The crowd was led by Coronation Street favorite Tina O’Brien, who sported a fun pink ruffled mini dress, big winner Danielle Harold, who opted for a busty white pantsuit, and Lucy Fallon, who opted for a seductive scarlet red smock.
The event saw the BBC’s EastEnders dominate with a total of six awards including Best Soap, although its ITV rival Corrie also picked up big wins including Best Showstopper and Best Villain.
Tina, who plays Sarah Platt in Corrie, opted for the dusty pink mini dress with an oversized ruffle and gold strappy heels.
Danielle, who won best actress for her heartbreaking performance as Lola Pearce during her battle with terminal brain cancer, opted for a busty white bustier and matching flared trouser suit.
Beautiful! The arrival was led by Coronation Street favorite Tina O’Brien, who made a leggy appearance in a fun pink ruffled mini dress
Meanwhile, Charlotte showed off her toned stomach in a black cropped halter top with silver jewel details and matching trousers.
The star picked up the Best Showstopper award alongside co-star Ryan Prescott, who plays Ryan Connor, for the pair’s performance in the hard-hitting Acid Attacks episodes in March.
Lucy, who will reportedly reprise her role as Bethany Platt in Corrie later this year, was dressed to impress in a sexy scarlet mini dress with an oversized bow.
Ella Mulvaney, who plays Amy Barlow, slipped into a fun sequined strapless top and matching rhinestone skirt, teamed with chunky white heeled boots.
Before accepting the award for Best Newcomer, Channique Sterling Brown opted for a busty black velvet jumpsuit as she arrived for the evening.
Hollyoaks star Anna Passey upped the glamor in a racy metallic silver midi dress with a strapless front, teamed with black stiletto heels and a white clutch.
EastEnders dominated at the Inside Soap Awards 2023 as it was named best soap for the second year in a row.
The BBC drama scooped a total of six awards at the annual ceremony, beating fellow soap operas Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Casualty and Doctors.
Brave: Danielle, who won best actress for her heartbreaking performance as Lola Pearce during her battle with terminal brain cancer, opted for a busty white bustier and matching flared pantsuit
Standout: The star, who won both Best Actress and Best Storyline, proudly posed with her two gongs in her beaded look
Chic: Meanwhile, Charlotte showed off her toned tummy in a black cropped halter top with silver jewel details and matching trousers
Well done! The star picked up the Best Showstopper award alongside co-star Ryan Prescott, who plays Ryan Connor, for the pair’s performance in the hard-hitting Acid Attacks episodes in March
Sex bomb! Lucy Fallon, who will reportedly reprise her role as Bethany Platt in Corrie later this year, went leggy in a scarlet ruffled mini dress
Dressed to impress! Ella Mulvaney, who plays Amy Barlow, slipped into a fun sequined strapless top and matching rhinestone skirt, teamed with chunky white heeled boots
INSIDE SOAP AWARDS 2023: WINNERS AT A GLANCE
BEST SOAP: EastEnders
BEST ACTRESS: Danielle Harold (Lola Pearce-Brown, EastEnders)
BEST ACTOR: Jamie Borthwick (Jay Brown, EastEnders)
BEST YOUNG ACTRESS: Isabella Brown (Lexi Pearce, EastEnders)
BEST NEWCOMER: Channique Sterling-Brown (Dee-Dee Bailey, Coronation Street)
BEST JUDGE: Todd Boyce (Stephen Reid, Coronation Street)
BEST COMIC PERFORMANCE: Maureen Lipman (Evelyn Plummer, Coronation Street)
BEST PARTNERSHIP: Dominic Brunt & Mark Charnock (Paddy & Marlon Dingle, Emmerdale)
BEST FAMILY: The Dingles (Emmerdale)
BEST STORY: Loving and Losing Lola (EastEnders)
BEST SHOWSTOPPER: Acid Attack (Coronation Street)
BEST DRAMA STAR: Nigel Harman (Max Cristie, Casualty)
BEST DAYTIME STAR: Chris Walker (Rob Hollins, Doctors)
SOAP Superstar of the Year: Max Bowden (Ben Mitchell, EastEnders)
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE: Nikki Sanderson (Maxine Minniver, Hollyoaks)
Big winner! Before picking up the Best Newcomer award, Coronation Street’s Channique Sterling Brown opted for a busty black velvet jumpsuit as she arrived for the evening
Revealing: She paired the low-cut one-piece with a gold metallic clutch
Sizzling: Hollyoaks’ Anna Passey, who plays Sienna Blake, upped the glamor in a striking metallic silver dress
Beautiful! The soap favorite added a pop of color with a bold red lip
Here she is! Emmerdale’s Susan Cookson, who plays Wendy Posner, opted for jewel tones by wearing a glamorous teal ruffled dress and neutral accessories
Dressed and booted! Emmerdale’s Joshua Richards (left) looked dapper for the evening, while Corrie’s Ryan (right) opted for a dapper look ahead of the Best Showstopper award
Lola Pearce’s tragic cancer story on the soap was also widely recognized at the ceremony, with lead actress Danielle Harold taking home the award for best actress.
She beat a number of respected names to the awards including Coronation Street’s Charlotte Jordan and Maureen Lipman, Hollyoaks’ Jennifer Metcalfe and Emmerdale’s Emma Atkins.
Danielle also beat out her co-stars Diane Parish, who plays Denise Fox, and Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney Dean, to take home the prestigious award.
Danielle’s character Lola Pearce died in emotional scenes after losing her battle with terminal brain cancer earlier this year.
The heartbreaking storyline was described by fans as the “saddest exit ever” and Danielle won Best Actress at the British Soap Awards ahead of her success at the Inside Soap Awards.
The storyline received further praise at Monday’s ceremony as it also won the award for best storyline, marking another major win for Danielle’s heartbreaking exit.
In another major win, Jamie Borthwick, who plays Lola’s widower Jay Brown, won the coveted Best Actor award.
He went up against the likes of Coronation Street’s David Neilson and Ryan Prescott, as well as Emmerdale’s Dominic Brunt, Jeff Hordley and Kevin Mathurin.
Also nominated in this category were Hollyoaks’ Gregory Finnegan and Jamie Lomas, as well as Jamie’s EastEnders co-stars Perry Fenwick and James Farrar.
Isabella Brown, who plays Lola’s daughter Lexi Pearce, won Best Young Actress, marking another win for EastEnders – which took home a total of six awards across 15 different categories.
Max Bowden, who is Lexi’s father Ben Mitchell and who missed Lola’s final moments in emotional scenes, was also named Soap Superstar of the Year for “a performance that…” [went] beyond the fulfillment of duty.
Success: EastEnders dominated the Inside Soap Awards 2023 on Monday as it was named Best Soap for the second year in a row (Pictured: Danielle Harold as Lola Pearce)
Praised: Lola Pearce’s tragic cancer story on the soap was also recognized, with star Danielle Harold winning best actress and Jamie Borthwick (Jay Brown) winning best actor
Dominating: Isabella Brown, who plays Lola’s daughter Lexi Pearce, was also named best young actress – with EastEnders taking home a total of six awards across the 15 different categories
Fan favorite: Coronation Street’s Maureen Lipman won best comic performance for the third time for her role as the acerbic Evelyn Plummer
Gary Gillatt, editor of Inside Soap, said: “The beautifully acted story of young mother Lola’s cancer diagnosis and her last few life-affirming months has captivated Inside Soap readers this year, beating out the powerful work of all the other shows.” And the Win for best soap is well deserved. “It’s been a golden year for EastEnders – a true renaissance.”
Shona McGarty was also nominated for best actress for her portrayal of Whitney Dean in EastEnders and it is likely to be her final appearance at the event after it was announced last month that she was leaving the BBC soap after 15 years.
Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, the actress said: “It wasn’t an easy decision because I made so many friends.”
“It will make me sad to say goodbye to my friends and family, but it was the right decision for me as I want to do other things. “After 15 years, I’ve had a pretty good run.”
Elsewhere, Coronation Street’s Maureen Lipman won the best comic performance award for a third time for her role as the acerbic Evelyn Plummer.
The ITV soap also picked up the Best Showstopper award – given to a showcase stunt or episode – for its powerful acid attack storyline starring Ryan Prescott (Ryan Connor) and Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgeley).
Todd Boyce won best villain for his portrayal of Stephen Reid, whose serial killer antics have dominated proceedings on the soap in 2023.
Other impressive faces nominated in the category included Coronation Street’s Andrew Still, who plays stalker Justin Rutherford, EastEnders’ Aaron Thiara (Ravi Gulati) and Emmerdale’s William Ash (Caleb Miligan).
And Channique Sterling-Brown, who plays aspiring lawyer Dee-Dee Bailey, ensured further success for the show by taking home the award for best newcomer.
She beat EastEnders’ Bobby Brazier (Freddie Slater) – who made his Strictly Come Dancing debut last week – and Emmerdale’s Flo Wilson and Lewis Cope to victory.
Also nominated were Coronation Street’s Jodie Prenger and Hollyoaks stars Jemma Donovan and Jon-Paul Bell.
Emmerdale was a huge success in the Best Partnership category, won by Mark Charnock and Dominic Brunt for their popular dual roles as Marlon and Paddy.
It comes after Marlon helped save Paddy’s life as his friend faced his darkest hour in very powerful scenes aired earlier this year.
Tragic: The ITV soap also picked up the Best Showstopper award – given to a showcase stunt or episode – for its powerful acid attack story starring Ryan Prescott (Ryan Connor).
Close Friends: Emmerdale was also successful in the Best Partnership category, won by Dominic Brunt and Mark Charnock for their popular dual roles as Paddy and Marlon
Busy! Fresh from a Strictly Come Dancing training session, Casualty’s Nigel Harman was tapped for his role as Dr. Max Cristie won the trophy for best drama star
The exuberant Dingle clan – always at the center of action in Emmerdale – were named best family, beating out EastEnders’ The Mitchells and The Trueman-Fox-Brannings and Coronation Street’s The Platts and The Winter-Browns, among others.
Inside Soap readers voted Chris Walker as their top daytime star for his moving portrayal of widowed policeman Rob Hollins in Doctors, while Casualty’s Nigel Harman, fresh from a Strictly Come Dancing training session, was chosen for his role as Dr. Max Cristie accepted the trophy for best drama star.
The prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award went to Nikki Sanderson, who played Hollyoaks’ Maxine Minniver for more than a decade and took part in this year’s story Long Walk Home.
Previous Outstanding Achievement winners include EastEnders star June Brown (Dot Cotton), who died in April last year, and Coronation Street’s Helen Worth (Gail Platt).
Inside Soap editor Gary Gillatt commented: “The big storylines of 2023 often proved jarring.”
“Cancer, stalking, misogyny and depression were the main themes this year, and our trophies are presented by an audience that clearly responded to these challenging episodes.”
“Although they’re also relieved that Marlon and Paddy’s banter and Evelyn’s one-liners are lifting the mood!”
More than 90,000 soap fans vote each year for The Inside Soap Awards, and – even after three decades – they are the only awards of their kind based solely on viewer votes.
INSIDE SOAP AWARDS 2023: WINNERS COMPLETE
BEST ACTRESS
Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgely, Coronation Street)
Elle Mulvaney (Amy Barlow, Coronation Street)
Maureen Lipman (Evelyn Plummer, Coronation Street)
WINNER: Danielle Harold (Lola Pearce-Brown, EastEnders)
Diane Parish (Denise Fox, EastEnders)
Shona McGarty (Whitney Dean, EastEnders)
Claire King (Kim Tate, Emmerdale)
Emma Atkins (Charity Dingle, Emmerdale)
Louise Jameson (Mary Goskirk, Emmerdale)
Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes McQueen, Hollyoaks)
Lucy-Jo Hudson (Donna-Marie Quinn, Hollyoaks)
Nikki Sanderson (Maxine Minniver, Hollyoaks)
BEST ACTOR
David Neilson (Roy Cropper, Coronation Street)
Peter Ash (Paul Foreman, Coronation Street)
Ryan Prescott (Ryan Connor, Coronation Street)
James Farrar (Zack Hudson, EastEnders)
WINNER: Jamie Borthwick (Jay Brown, EastEnders)
Perry Fenwick (Billy Mitchell, EastEnders)
Dominic Brunt (Paddy Dingle, Emmerdale)
Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle, Emmerdale)
Kevin Mathurin (Charles Anderson, Emmerdale)
Gregory Finnegan (James Nightingale, Hollyoaks)
Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox, Hollyoaks)
Richard Blackwood (Felix Westwood, Hollyoaks)
BEST JUDGE
Andrew Still (Justin Rutherford, Coronation Street)
WINNER: Todd Boyce (Stephen Reid, Coronation Street)
Aaron Thiara (Ravi Gulati, EastEnders)
William Ellis (Theo Hawthorne, EastEnders)
Jane Gurnett (Faye Helders, Emmerdale)
William Ash (Caleb Miligan, Emmerdale)
Angus Castle Doughty (Eric Foster, Hollyoaks)
Glynis Barber (Norma Crow, Hollyoaks)
BEST COMIC PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Maureen Lipman (Evelyn Plummer, Coronation Street)
Patti Clare (Mary Taylor, Coronation Street)
Bobby Brazier (Freddie Slater, EastEnders)
Shane Richie (Alfie Moon, EastEnders)
Samantha Giles (Bernice Blackstock, Emmerdale)
Tony Audenshaw (Bob Hope, Emmerdale)
Chelsee Healey (Goldie McQueen, Hollyoaks)
Diane Langton (Marlena “Nana” McQueen, Hollyoaks)
BEST NEWCOMER
WINNER: Channique Sterling-Brown (Dee-Dee Bailey, Coronation Street)
Jodie Prenger (Glenda Shuttleworth, Coronation Street)
Bobby Brazier (Freddie Slater, EastEnders)
Harriet Thorpe (Elaine Peacock, EastEnders)
Flo Wilson (Claudette Anderson, Emmerdale)
Lewis Cope (Nicky Miligan, Emmerdale)
Jemma Donovan (Rayne Royce, Hollyoaks)
Jon Paul Bell (Beau Ramsey, Hollyoaks)
BEST PARTNERSHIP
David Neilson & Maureen Lipman (Roy Cropper & Evelyn Plummer, Coronation Street)
Sally Dynevor & Joe Duttine (Sally & Tim Metcalfe, Coronation Street)
Balvinder Sopal & Heather Peace (Suki Panesar & Eve Unwin, EastEnders)
Emma Barton & Perry Fenwick (Honey & Billy Mitchell, EastEnders)
WINNER: Dominic Brunt & Mark Charnock (Paddy & Marlon Dingle, Emmerdale)
Kevin Mathurin & Rebecca Sarker (Charles Anderson & Manpreet Sharma, Emmerdale)
Anna Passey & Matthew James Bailey (Sienna Blake & Ethan Williams, Hollyoaks)
Ruby O’Donnell & Niamh Blackshaw (Peri Lomax & Juliet Nightingale, Hollyoaks)
BEST YOUNG ARTIST
Isabella Flanagan (Hope Stape, Coronation Street)
Jude Riordan (Sam Blakeman, Coronation Street)
WINNER: Isabella Brown (Lexi Pearce, EastEnders)
Lillia Turner (Lily Slater, EastEnders)
Alfie Clarke (Arthur Thomas, Emmerdale)
Gabrielle Dowling (Cathy Hope, Emmerdale)
Ela-May Demircan (Leah Barnes, Hollyoaks)
Jayden Fox (Bobby Costello, Hollyoaks)
BEST FAMILY
The Platts (Coronation Street)
The Winter Browns (Coronation Street)
The Mitchells (EastEnders)
The Trueman Fox Brannings (EastEnders)
The Andersons (Emmerdale)
WINNER: The Dingles (Emmerdale)
The Maaliks (Hollyoaks)
The McQueens (Hollyoaks)
BEST STORY
Amy disagreed (Coronation Street)
Daisy’s Stalker/Acid Attack (Coronation Street)
WINNER: Loving and Losing Lola (EastEnders)
Whitney and Zack say goodbye to Peach (EastEnders)
Caleb plans to destroy Kim (Emmerdale).
Paddy’s suicidal thoughts (Emmerdale)
Incel Eric sets his sights on Maxine and Mason (Hollyoaks).
Julia’s battle with cancer (Hollyoaks)
BEST SHOWSTOPPER
WINNER: Acid Attack (Coronation Street)
Gemma and Chesney’s Wedding (Coronation Street)
Mick jumps off a cliff to save Linda and Janine (EastEnders)
Cindy Beale: Back from the Dead! (EastEnders)
Marlon saves Paddy (Emmerdale)
The Storm/50. Anniversary (Emmerdale)
Maxine’s Long Walk Home (Hollyoaks)
Silas’ Revenge/Carnival Horror (Hollyoaks)
BEST DAY STAR
WINNER: Chris Walker (Rob Hollins, Doctors)
Dex Lee (Bear Sylvester, Doctors)
Jan Pearson (Karen Hollins, Doctors)
Kia Pegg (Scarlett Kiernan, Doctors)
Ada Nicodemou (Leah Poulos, Home and Away)
Jacqui Purvis (Felicity Newman, Home and Away)
James Stewart (Justin Morgan, Home and Away)
Matt Evans (Theo Poulos, Home and Away)
BEST DRAMA STAR
Charles Venn (Jacob Masters, Accident)
Elinor Lawless (Stevie Nash, Accident)
Kirsty Mitchell (Faith Cadogan, Accident)
WINNER: Nigel Harman (Max Cristie, Casualty)
Adam Abbou (Danny Lewis, Waterloo Road)
Adam Thomas (Donte Charles, Waterloo Road)
Angela Griffin (Kim Campbell, Waterloo Road)
Kym Marsh (Nicky Walters, Waterloo Road)
BEST SOAP
Coronation Street
WINNER: EastEnders
Emmerdale
Hollyoaks
Soap Superstar of the Year
WINNER: Max Bowden (Ben Mitchell, EastEnders)
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Nikki Sanderson (Maxine Minniver, Hollyoaks)