Emmerdale Sweeps TV Choice Awards With Triple Victory

It was a night of celebration and surprise at The London Hilton on Park Lane as the 2026 TV Choice Awards rolled out the red carpet for Britain’s beloved stars and shows. For Emmerdale, the long-running ITV soap, the evening of February 2, 2026, marked a triumphant chapter in its storied history, as it swept three of the most coveted categories. The awards, decided by the British viewing public, served as both a testament to the show’s enduring popularity and a reflection of the evolving landscape of UK television.

Emmerdale’s impressive haul included Best Soap, Best Soap Performance, and Best Soap Newcomer—an achievement that underscored the program’s ability to captivate audiences year after year. According to The Mirror, Danny Miller clinched Best Soap Performance for his portrayal of Aaron Dingle, a character whose complex journey has resonated with fans since 2008. It’s not Miller’s first time in the spotlight; sixteen years ago, he was lauded for his sensitive depiction of Aaron’s battle with his sexuality, a storyline that broke new ground for British soaps. This year, Miller’s performance was celebrated once more, with viewers applauding his return to dramatic form in a series of gripping storylines, including a reunion with Ryan Hawley’s Robert.

Meanwhile, Bradley Riches was awarded Best Soap Newcomer for his role as Lewis Barton, having joined the cast in May 2025. As detailed by TV Choice, Riches’s journey to Emmerdale was serendipitous—originally offered another role, he ultimately joined as Ross’s half-brother, quickly endearing himself to fans. His win capped off a remarkable year for the young actor, whose star has been on the rise since his breakout in Heartstopper and a stint on Celebrity Big Brother.

The triple win for Emmerdale was rounded out by the show’s crowning as Best Soap, a category fiercely contested by other stalwarts of the genre. The victory was especially sweet for the cast and crew, who have navigated a year filled with high-stakes drama—both on and off screen. From the return of Ross Barton, played by Michael Parr, to the shocking murder of an abusive father by Ruby (Beth Cordingly), and a heart-stopping stunt involving a car plunging into a frozen lake, Emmerdale has kept viewers on the edge of their seats. The rise of the villainous John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) added another layer of intrigue, cementing the show’s reputation for delivering compelling, character-driven stories.

The glitzy ceremony, hosted by comedian Jason Manford and now in its 29th year, was more than just a showcase for soaps. It brought together fan-favourite personalities from across the television spectrum. Call The Midwife took home Best Family Drama, marking its eleventh win in the category—a testament to its staying power and the affection in which it’s held by the public. Jenny Agutter, who has played Sister Julienne since the show’s debut, won Best Drama Performance, beating out stiff competition from the likes of Stephen Graham and Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Elsewhere, Netflix’s Adolescence continued its awards season dominance, winning Best New Drama. The series, which tells the harrowing story of a 13-year-old’s arrest for suspected murder, has captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike, thanks in part to its innovative one-take episodes and the creative vision of Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne. Gogglebox and its celebrity offshoot were recognized as Best Entertainment Show, while The Traitors triumphed as Best Reality Show, reflecting the British public’s appetite for both comfort viewing and high-stakes competition.

In the realm of comedy, Gavin & Stacey: The Finale scored a double win—Best Comedy Show and Best Comedy Performance for Ruth Jones, whose portrayal of Vanessa Shanessa Jenkins (Nessa) finally brought closure to fans after years of speculation. The long-awaited finale, which resolved the cliffhanger proposal from Nessa to Smithy, was followed by a ratings-busting documentary and a bestselling book chronicling the show’s journey.

Other notable winners included Escape To The Country for Best Daytime Show, Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake for Best Lifestyle Show, and James Martin’s Saturday Morning for Best Food Show. Strictly Come Dancing waltzed away with Best Talent Show, as fans eagerly await the announcement of new hosts following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s decision to step down after the 2025 Christmas special.

For Emmerdale fans, the night’s success was mirrored by off-screen celebrations. Eden Taylor-Draper, who has played Belle Dingle since joining the show at just eight years old in 2005, shared a personal milestone on TikTok the same day as the awards. After dating her partner Ed Lewis since 2016, the couple have now bought a flat together. Taylor-Draper, who met Lewis at Harrogate Grammar School, explained her recent absence from social media: "Hello! We’re back! How are you? How is life? I feel like so much has been going on, which is why I’ve not been posting." She added, "We moved, we bought a flat, we went travelling, I’ve been working, it’s all lovely stuff!" Fans responded warmly, with one commenting, "Aw, glad you’re back!" and another expressing excitement for her plans to create a reading nook in their new home.

Taylor-Draper’s update wasn’t the only Emmerdale news making waves. Natalie J Robb, who plays Moira Dingle, recently addressed her character’s fate following a dramatic arrest after two bodies were discovered on her farmland. She reassured fans, "I've been lucky enough just to get another contract so I think we would obviously say, 'Sorry you're going to be leaving, but this is gonna be your out', so when they just told me about the story I didn't think that." Her comments, reported by Inside Soap, hint at more twists to come in the ever-turbulent world of Emmerdale.

The TV Choice Awards, with winners chosen by the public, remain a bellwether for the tastes and passions of British viewers. As Emmerdale basks in the glow of its triple triumph, and its stars celebrate personal and professional milestones, the show’s enduring appeal looks set to continue. With new storylines, fresh faces, and a loyal fanbase, Emmerdale’s place at the heart of British television is secure—at least for another year.