The British Soap Awards 2013 was all about one show — Coronation Street. It picked up eight prizes at the ceremony, while its rival EastEnders went away with just one. The ITV show's accolades included best storyline for Kirsty Soames' abuse of Tyrone Hobbs. Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone, received the best actor award at the star-studded Manchester ceremony.
He went up on stage to collect his trophy shortly after a tribute to his late co-star Bill Tarney, who played his surrogate father Jack Duckworth. "Fancy bringing me up here after he's (Bill) been on screen," said the star, who is due to become a father to a little girl later this year. "I owe a lot to that man, he means a lot to me. "I firmly believe that you are only as good as the people around you, and so thank you to everybody who works at Coronation Street, and every cast member. "I'd also like to thank my beautiful wife Lucy-Jo Hudson, and also our special guest, our baby bump. Can't wait to meet you. "His on-screen wife Natalie Gumede, who plays Kirsty Soames, picked up the awards for best villain and best dramatic performance.
Coronation Street also took home the top prize, the best soap award. Malcolm Hebdon, Norris Cole in the soap, accepted the trophy surrounded by his co-stars. "We're all thrilled, and the public have voted for us, so we must be doing our job properly," he said. "Thank you the public. We love you. "Despite its 15 nominations, EastEnders won just one trophy; a lifetime achievement for its longest serving cast member Adam Woodyatt, who has played Ian Beale since the show started in 1985."I'm speechless," he said. "I should have guessed because normally you only get given one guest ticket — I got six! Normally you're not allowed to sit next to your partner, my wife's sat right next to me".
Hollyoaks scooped five awards, including best actress for Claire Cooper who stars as Jacqui McQueen, best newcomer for Joseph Thompson and best on screen partnership for Emmett J Scanlan and Kieron Richardson, known to fans as Brendan Brady and Ste Hay.Danny Mac, who plays Dodger Savage, received the sexiest male award, while Coronation Street's Michelle Keegan - Tina McInyre - continued her reign as sexiest female for the fifth year running.
"Thank you so much," said the beautiful brunette, who has announced she is leaving the soap next year. "This is ridiculous. I'm going to get this out in 50 years and be the coolest gran ever!"Emmerdale won two awards; its live 40th anniversary episode was named best single episode, and the show's 15-year-old actress Eden Taylor-Draper who plays Belle Dingle, won best young performance.
The British Soap Awards 2013 Winners
- Best British Soap: Coronation Street
- Best Actor: Alan Halsall, Tyrone Dobbs, Coronation Street
- Best Actress: Claire Cooper, Jacqui McQueen, Hollyoaks
- Sexiest Male: Danny Mac, Dodger Savage, Hollyoaks
- Sexiest Female: Michelle Keegan, Tina McIntyre, Coronation Street
- Villain of the Year: Natalie Gumede, Kirsty Soames, Coronation Street
- Best Comedy Performance: Patti Clare, Mary Taylor, Coronation Street
- Best Dramatic Performance: Natalie Gumede, Kirsty Soames, Coronation Street
- Best Young Performance: Eden Taylor-Draper, Belle Dingle, Emmerdale
- Best Newcomer: Joseph Thompson, Dr Paul Browning, Hollyoaks
- Best Exit: Nigel Havers, Lewis Archer, Coronation Streett
- Best On-screen Partnership: Kieron Richardson and Emmett J Scanlan, Ste Hay and Brendan Brady, Hollyoaks
- Best Storyline: Kirsty's abuse of Tyrone, Coronation Street
- Spectacular Scene of the Year: The Bus Crash, Hollyoaks
- Best Single Episode: Emmerdale 40th Anniversary Live Episode
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Adam Woodyatt, Ian Beale, EastEnders