The 2025 Inside Soap Awards were nothing short of spectacular, with Coronation Street and EastEnders emerging as the clear crowd favorites in a fiercely contested fan vote. Viewers across the United Kingdom turned out in force, casting more than 90,000 votes—a testament to the passionate devotion that soap fans still bring to their favorite shows. The awards, unique for being entirely viewer-voted, became a direct reflection of which storylines, characters, and performances resonated most strongly with the public. In the end, Corrie claimed top honors in multiple categories, including Best Soap, Best Actress, and Best Storyline, while EastEnders also had significant wins, particularly in categories like Best Actor and Best Exit, solidifying its place as a major force in the genre once again.

For Coronation Street, the night felt like a coronation of its own—securing the title Best Soap for the second year in a row, a symbol of both continuity and excellence in storytelling. The show also pocketed Best Storyline with the emotionally charged arc surrounding Mason’s death and Abi Webster’s journey through trauma and healing. Its actors also shone bright: Vicky Myers earned Best Actress honors, and she and Alison King were awarded Best Partnership for their characters Lisa Swain and Carla Connor (“Swarla”), whose on-screen chemistry captivated viewers. Jack P Shepherd added to Corrie’s haul by snagging Best Comic Performance, proving that the show hasn’t lost its capacity for lightness amid its heavier dramas.

Meanwhile, EastEnders was no mere runner-up. The BBC stalwart reminded the public—and its rivals—of its strength by winning several high-profile awards. Steve McFadden, as the iconic Phil Mitchell, won Best Actor, reaffirming his status as one of the soap’s enduring pillars. James Bye’s Martin Fowler character earned Best Exit following a dramatic and memorable departure. EastEnders also claimed top honors in Best Villain through Navin Chowdhry’s portrayal of Nish Panesar, and newcomer Laura Doddington was recognized with Best Newcomer. To top it off, Heather Peace, in her role as Eve Panesar-Unwin, was named Soap Superstar 2025, a title reserved for those whose performances create a lasting impression across the genre.

The breadth of categories in which both soaps succeeded speaks not just to their storytelling excellence, but to the diverse tastes of the viewing public. Whether viewers were drawn to powerful dramatic arcs, complex moral dilemmas, comedic relief, or intense character exits, both Corrie and EastEnders delivered. The high vote totals make clear that fans were not passive observers—this was a night where they chose, with their voices and clicks, which stories would be celebrated.

Behind every award, there lies a string of creative decisions, risks, and emotional investment from writers, producers, actors, and crews. For Coronation Street, recognizing the arc around Mason and Abi was more than rewarding a plot—it acknowledged a willingness to tackle deep, traumatic subject matter with sensitivity and realism. For EastEnders, honoring an actor like Steve McFadden and a character exit so impactful underscores the show’s strength in anchoring high-drama moments in characters who feel real to audiences. Seeing EastEnders win awards in the same ceremony as Corrie signals that while one show may dominate, the genre as a whole is in excellent shape.

The evening’s results also generated conversations about balance. Corrie’s dominance could have easily overshadowed other soaps, but EastEnders’ wins prevented that, keeping the competition dynamic and inclusive. That both shows swept multiple awards shows just how competitive and high quality the soap landscape is in 2025. For fans of serialized drama, it’s a reminder that good storytelling, character depth, and emotional authenticity still matter—and that audiences are more than willing to vote accordingly.

In short, the 2025 Inside Soap Awards were a night of triumph and affirmation for both Coronation Street and EastEnders. With over 90,000 votes cast, the fans have spoken: they want drama, heart, risk, and real emotional stakes. And these two shows delivered.