The Inside Soap Awards 2023 have officially crowned their winners as the ceremony gets underway, and it's an incredible year for EastEnders who have officially won Best Soap.

The fan-voted awards show sees viewers having their say, and the most dramatic storylines and performances always cause a stir.

But with the return of Albert Square icon Cindy Beale, played by Michelle Collins, who was one of the most legendary soap characters ever, it's no surprise that the BBC One serial drama won best overall this year.

It's the second time in a row soap fans have given the team the prize, as EastEnders continues to rise higher and higher.

It was also an incredibly emotional year in Walford, as fan-favourite Lola Pearce, portrayed by Danielle Harold, sadly died of terminal cancer.

Danielle scooped the gong for best actress, and Lola's husband Jay Brown had a powerful grief storyline that gave actor Jamie Borthwick the award for best actor.

Isabella Brown was also given best young performer as Lola's daughter Lexi Pearce, and EastEnders writers were awarded best storyline for the harrowing plot.

“The beautifully played story of young mum Lola’s cancer diagnosis, and her final few life-affirming months, captivated Inside Soap readers this year, and won out against powerful work from all the other shows," Inside Soap mag editor Gary Gillatt shared. "And the Best Soap win is well-deserved.

"It’s been a golden year for EastEnders – a true renaissance.”

But while EastEnders' cast and crew are undoubtedly celebrating their mammoth wins today, Monday 25 September, and the stars are donning their best evening wear for the red carpet, Emmerdale also had lots to celebrate.

The iconic and beloved Dingles were awarded best family on the soap, and also walked away with best partnership in the Dales.

Unable to contain her excitement over the news, Mandy Dingle favourite Lisa Riley took to her Instagram page to share their thanks with the fans.

"CONGRATULATIONS to all my gorgeous “DINGLE FAMILY” in @emmerdale we won the @insidesoapmagazine award for “BEST FAMILY”," she wrote, captioning a snap of her beaming next to the Inside Soap Awards trophy.

"I cannot lie-I bloody love love love being a DINGLE!!!" the star continued.

"I also bloody love love love all my fellow Dingles……. thanks to all the writers on the show, for giving me and my family such great stories, that the viewers love……

"It’s normally all of us getting up to no good #emmerdale #congratulations #won #awards #dingle #dingles #bestfamily #insidesoapawards #insidesoap," Lisa added happily.

Mark Charnock and Dominic Brunt, who play Marlon and Paddy Dingle in the village, were awarded best partnership.

Marlon and Paddy have always had a firm friendship on the soap, but as the latter suffered with poor mental health this year, it was a truly special storyline for the pair when Marlon got to help his pal.

Coronation Street also had a number of wins, as Maureen Lipman was awarded best comic performance for the third year in a row.

Todd Boyce was named best villain for his evil serial killer part of Stephen Reid.

Best newcomer was given to Dee-Dee Bailey actor Channique Sterling-Brown, and the cobbles also won for the best showstopper, following an incredibly realistic yet jaw-dropping acid attack plot line.

Doctors actor Chris Walker was awarded best daytime star, and new Strictly Come Dancing favourite Nigel Harman was awarded best drama star for his role as Dr Max Cristie in Casualty.

Nikki Sanderson was given the outstanding achievement award for more than a decade as Hollyoaks' Maxine Minniver.

“The big storylines of 2023 often proved a harrowing watch,” Inside Soap's Gary commented. “Cancer, stalking, misogyny and depression were the major themes tackled this year, and our trophies are awarded by an audience who’ve clearly responded to these challenging episodes.

"Though they’re also relieved to have Marlon and Paddy’s banter and Evelyn’s one-liners to lift the mood!" he added.

Winners list in full

BEST SOAP

EastEnders

BEST ACTRESS

Danielle Harold (Lola Pearce-Brown, EastEnders)

BEST ACTOR

Jamie Borthwick (Jay Brown, EastEnders)

BEST YOUNG PERFORMER

Isabella Brown (Lexi Pearce, EastEnders)

BEST NEWCOMER

Channique Sterling-Brown (Dee-Dee Bailey, Coronation Street)

BEST VILLAIN

Todd Boyce (Stephen Reid, Coronation Street)

BEST COMIC PERFORMANCE

Maureen Lipman (Evelyn Plummer, Coronation Street)

BEST PARTNERSHIP

Dominic Brunt & Mark Charnock (Paddy & Marlon Dingle, Emmerdale)

BEST FAMILY

The Dingles (Emmerdale)

BEST STORYLINE

Loving and losing Lola (EastEnders)

BEST SHOWSTOPPER

(Awarded to a soap event or episode that had the audience on the edge of their seats)

Acid attack (CoronationStreet)

BEST DRAMA STAR

Nigel Harman (Max Cristie, Casualty)

BEST DAYTIME STAR

Chris Walker (Rob Hollins, Doctors)

SOAP SUPERSTAR OF THE YEAR

Max Bowden (Ben Mitchell, EastEnders)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Nikki Sanderson (Maxine Minniver, Hollyoaks)

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