Classic TV programme EastEnders proved it hasn’t lost its shine, scooping more than half of the 16 awards up for grabs at this year’s British Soap Awards. The BBC One show took home a total of ten gongs, including Best British Soap, Best Actress for Kacey Ainsworth and a double win for Martin Kemp – Best Actor and Sexiest Male.
EastEnders actor Alex Ferns also took home a pair of prizes – Best Newcomer and Villain Of The Year – and Jessie Wallace won the Sexiest Female award.
Obviously a fan favourite, EastEnders did leave some awards to go to other shows, however. Brookside’s Raymond Quinn was a stand out for Best Dramatic Performance, one of two gongs that went to the show, and Stuart Manning of Night And Day can now call himself Hero Of The Year. Those who wondered about Stuart’s reported romance with pop star Lulu were left in the dark as the 53-year-old singer cryptically said, “It’s just a bit of fun.”
Other highlights of the night included the first appearance of comic Paul O’Grady, aka Lily Savage, since suffering a heart attack. “People have sent cards and letter and dolls and teddy bears and flowers, flowers, flowers,” he said. “I could have opened a florist's.”
Other winners included Emmerdale, who scored Best Exit for Batley the dog’s death. ITV’s Coronation Street also picked up just one award – Best Comedy Performance for Malcolm Hebden.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
