On a night filled with glitz, glamour, and a few unexpected twists, the British Soap Awards 2025 celebrated the very best of UK television’s beloved serial dramas. The ceremony, held at London’s Hackney Empire on May 31 and broadcast on ITV on June 5, marked the triumphant return of the event after last year’s cancellation. Hosted by Jane McDonald, the awards recognized standout performances and memorable storylines from the past year across the nation’s favourite soaps.
EastEnders emerged as the undeniable star of the evening, clinching the coveted Best British Soap award alongside an impressive haul of seven additional prizes. This BBC One stalwart, which marked its 40th anniversary earlier this year, captivated audiences with gripping narratives, including the explosive return of Grant Mitchell, a surprise appearance from Angie Watts, and a powerful mental health storyline centred on Phil Mitchell.
The Best British Soap trophy was presented by the legendary Sir David Jason, famed for his role in Only Fools and Horses. His heartfelt speech resonated with the crowd: “Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredibly talented people, and they all pull together to bring magic to our television screens. Making a remarkable show takes, you all know, remarkable people, and that’s why this award celebrates the extraordinary things achieved by each and every one of you here today.”
Adam Woodyatt, a long-standing cast member, accepted the award on behalf of EastEnders. Grinning broadly, he said, “We couldn’t be happier. We’ve had the best 40th anniversary ever. It’s just been a fantastic time. When Chris [Clenshaw] started telling us what he had planned for the 40th anniversary, I turned around and said, he’s just bonkers. We’re never going to do it. And we did. Hopefully we’ll be back next year for another one.”
EastEnders didn’t just walk away with the top prize. Their eight awards included Best Single Episode, Scene of the Year, Villain of the Year, Best Dramatic Performance, Best Leading Performer, Best On-Screen Partnership, and Best Comedy Performance. This sweep underscored the soap’s powerful storytelling and the cast’s compelling performances.
While EastEnders dominated, the other soaps also made their mark. Hollyoaks secured three awards, including Best Newcomer for Isabelle Smith, who plays Frankie Osborne, delighting fans with her portrayal of the character’s complex family dynamics. Emmerdale and Coronation Street each earned a single award: Emmerdale’s 16-year-old Amelia Flanagan took home Best Young Performer for her role as April Windsor, and Coronation Street honored David Neilson with an Outstanding Achievement award for his portrayal of Roy Cropper.
Coronation Street fans, however, voiced a mix of pride and disappointment on social media after two of their favourite characters, Carla Connor and DS Lisa Swain, missed out on the Best On-Screen Partnership award. Alison King and Vicky Myers, who bring these roles to life, were nominated but ultimately lost to EastEnders’ Rudolph Walker and Angela Wynter, who play Patrick and Yolande Trueman. Supporters flooded platforms with messages of unwavering admiration, with one fan tweeting, “They’ll always be my best partnership. No matter what.” Another added, “Partnership so big, so legendary, so romantic, so iconic you have the Americans waking up at 2 AM three days a week just to watch your scenes.”
Adding to the evening’s drama was a technical glitch on ITV just before the live broadcast. Viewers tuning in at 8 pm were met with a black screen displaying an apology message: “We’re sorry for the disruption.” The outage lasted nearly eight minutes, frustrating audiences who took to social media to vent. One viewer lamented, “How much longer must I sit and watch your ‘Sorry for the disruptions’ screen? Please do better.” Eventually, the broadcast resumed with a humorous introduction featuring ITV news anchor Charlene White, who jokingly admitted being too distracted by the soaps to read the news.
The British Soap Awards have been a fixture of British television since 1999, with Phillip Schofield famously hosting from 2006 through 2022. This year’s ceremony not only celebrated individual and ensemble achievements but also reflected on a transformative year in soapland. Coronation Street bid farewell to Gail Platt after 50 years, Hollyoaks leapt a year into the future in its storyline, and Emmerdale staged a dramatic limousine crash into a frozen lake, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Despite the technical hiccup and some fan disappointment, the 2025 British Soap Awards successfully honoured the talent and creativity that continue to captivate millions. As EastEnders basks in its well-earned accolades and other soaps continue to push boundaries, fans can look forward to another exciting year of drama, laughter, and heartbreak on the cobbles, the Dales, and beyond.
