Eastenders reclaims title at soap awards

EastEnders swiped back the best soap crown from Coronation Street tonight and swept the board at the Inside Soap awards with nine gongs.

Lacey Turner, who plays EastEnders' Stacey Branning, was named in three awards for EastEnders.

For the second year she triumphed as best actress and best couple alongside Charlie Clements, who plays her on-screen husband Bradley Branning.

Max and Stacey's affair revealed at Christmas won EastEnders the best storyline award, beating other plotlines including the death of Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street.

Robert Kazinsky, who plays Sean Slater, was named best actor as well as sexiest male.

Rob James-Collier, who is bowing out of Coronation Street as Liam Connor, was last year's sexiest male. He was also shortlisted this year.

EastEnders' wins included Rita Simons clinching the best newcomer award for her role as Roxy Slater and Cheryl Fergison scooping the funniest performance for her character portrayal of Heather Trott.

Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann) picked up the award for a second time for sexiest female.

Last year was the first time Coronation Street had won the best soap title at the Inside Soap awards in more than a decade.

This year Corrie retained its reputation as the home of the screen villain for the fourth year in a row, with Jack P Shepherd scooping best bad boy for his evil doings as David Platt for the second year in succession.

Coronation Street's Kym Marsh was named best-dressed soap star at the awards, sponsored by LittlewoodsDirect.Com.

Meanwhile, the outstanding achievement award was bestowed upon Chris Chittell, who has entertained viewers over the years as Emmerdale's Eric Pollard.

Ellis Hollins, who plays Tom Cunningham in Hollyoaks, was awarded the best young actor trophy for the second time.

The Bill was awarded best drama for the third year running.

The awards are voted for by Inside Soap magazine readers. Now in its 14th year, the Inside Soap awards ceremony took place at London's Camden Lock.

Here are the Inside Soap awards winners 2008:

Best actor - Robert Kazinsky (Sean Slater, EastEnders)

Best actress - Lacey Turner (Stacey Branning, EastEnders)

Sexiest male - Robert Kazinsky (Sean Slater, EastEnders)

Sexiest female - Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann, EastEnders)

Best young actor - Ellis Hollins (Tom Cunningham, Hollyoaks)

Best newcomer - Rita Simons (Roxy Slater, EastEnders)

Best bad boy - Jack P Shepherd (David Platt, Coronation Street)

Best bitch - Alison King (Carla Connor, Coronation Street)

Best couple - Lacey Turner and Charlie Clements (Stacey and Bradley Branning, EastEnders)

Funniest performance - Cheryl Fergison (Heather Trott, EastEnders)

Best-dressed soap star - Kym Marsh (Coronation Street)

Best drama - The Bill

Best storyline - Max and Stacey's affair revealed at Christmas (EastEnders)

Outstanding achievement - Chris Chittell (Eric Pollard, Emmerdale)

Best soap - Eastenders