EastEnders tops soap awards

EastEnders won the best soap title for the tenth year running at the Inside Soap Awards.

It was one of just six awards that the soap took home last night, a number only matched by rival show Coronation Street.

EastEnders' Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, was named as best actress. Her on-screen love interest Bradley Branning, played by Charlie Clements, won the best newcomer title. The pair also won the best couple award.

The best actor award meanwhile went to Bradley Walsh for his portrayal of Corrie's love rat Danny Baldwin.

It's the second prize in a year for Walsh; in May he won the best dramatic performance title at the British Soap Awards.

Walsh's on-screen love life is reported to be as controversial in real life. It is rumoured that he has been having an affair with co-star Debra Stephenson, which Walsh denied last night as he turned up for the awards ceremony.

"Everything's fine. My wife even bought me the suit I'm wearing tonight," he told the Mirror.

Emmerdale picked up two awards, including best b***h for the recently-departed Sadie King, played by Patsy Kensit.

Best drama went to The Bill and Coronation Street's Helen Worth won the outstanding achievement award.