Coronation Street Dominates Inside Soap Awards 2025 as Rivals Shine
Coronation Street Claims Best Soap in a Year of Fierce Competition
Coronation Street Claims Best Soap in a Year of Fierce Competition
The 2025 Inside Soap Awards delivered a night to remember in London, as the British television drama community gathered to celebrate a year packed with unforgettable stories and standout performances. At the heart of the ceremony, it was Coronation Street that seized the spotlight, winning the coveted Best Soap trophy for the second consecutive year. With more than 90,000 fans casting their votes, the awards underscored not just the enduring popularity of these beloved shows, but also the fierce competition between them.
Coronation Street’s triumph was more than a repeat performance—it was a statement. Alongside Best Soap, the show collected four other major accolades, including Best Actress for Vicky Myers’ portrayal of Lisa Swain and Best Storyline for the emotional arc involving Mason Radcliffe’s death and Abi Webster’s battle with PTSD. The show’s actors, including Jack P Shepherd (Best Comic Performance for his role as David Platt) and the dynamic duo of Vicky Myers and Alison King (Best Partnership as Lisa Swain and Carla Connor), were recognized for the depth and authenticity they brought to the screen.
Inside Soap editor Sarah Ellis captured the mood of the night, telling Standard, “It’s been an incredible year of drama and the results in our best soap category were the closest they’ve ever been.”
A Triumph Built on Storytelling
The wins highlight Coronation Street’s continued ability to evolve while remaining rooted in the values that have made it a staple of British television for more than six decades. The soap’s strength lies in balancing long-running characters with fresh faces, weaving storylines that feel both timely and timeless. This year, one of its most acclaimed arcs—Abi Webster’s struggle with PTSD following Mason Radcliffe’s death—resonated deeply with audiences. The storyline wasn’t just about tragedy but about resilience, mental health awareness, and the complex ways trauma can shape lives.
Fans and critics alike praised the show’s sensitive handling of the subject. Vicky Myers’ Lisa Swain became a crucial anchor in these moments, offering a perspective that felt authentic, empathetic, and grounded. Myers’ award for Best Actress was seen not only as recognition of her individual performance but also as a reflection of Coronation Street’s commitment to socially relevant storytelling.
Competition from Rival Soaps
While Coronation Street emerged victorious, the road to Best Soap was far from easy. This year saw strong contenders from EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks, all of which delivered standout storylines that could easily have tipped the scales.
EastEnders was widely praised for its bold explorations of family breakdowns and intergenerational conflict, with particular attention given to its portrayal of Ben Mitchell’s return and the emotional fallout that storyline carried. Emmerdale offered audiences a deeply affecting narrative around Charity Dingle, exploring sensitive issues with nuance and grit. Meanwhile, Hollyoaks leaned into its reputation for tackling contemporary youth issues, delivering hard-hitting plots about identity, mental health, and community.
That Coronation Street still managed to edge out its rivals reflects not only the quality of its stories but also its deep connection with its loyal fan base. With more than 90,000 votes cast overall, the competition underscored how invested audiences remain in these iconic dramas.
Celebrating the Cast and Crew
The atmosphere on the night was celebratory, not just for the actors who accepted trophies but for the production teams whose behind-the-scenes contributions make such storytelling possible. From writers and directors to costume designers and set builders, every award represents the collaborative spirit of soap-making.
Jack P Shepherd’s win for Best Comic Performance reminded audiences of another essential aspect of soap operas: their ability to blend humor with drama. His portrayal of David Platt has consistently provided moments of levity without undermining the show’s more serious themes. Similarly, the Best Partnership award for Vicky Myers and Alison King recognized the chemistry between Lisa Swain and Carla Connor—a duo whose on-screen dynamic has become one of the highlights of the past year.
Audience Connection: The Secret Ingredient
What makes soaps like Coronation Street endure is their ability to mirror real life while also offering a touch of escapism. The characters become part of viewers’ daily routines, their triumphs and struggles reflecting those of ordinary people across the UK. Unlike one-off dramas or films, soaps build relationships over time, often decades, and that emotional investment is what makes victories like these so meaningful.
The fan-driven voting process at the Inside Soap Awards reinforces this dynamic. It is not critics or panels alone deciding who wins but the people who tune in every evening, who discuss the stories at work, and who carry these characters in their hearts. For Coronation Street, winning Best Soap again is proof that its audience feels seen, heard, and represented by the show’s narratives.
Looking Ahead
As Coronation Street celebrates its victories, the question naturally turns to what lies ahead. With rival soaps pushing boundaries and raising the bar, the pressure to maintain excellence has never been greater. Inside Soap’s Sarah Ellis noted that this year’s results were the closest ever, a sign that competition will only intensify.
For fans, that can only be a good thing. Stronger competition means more inventive storylines, higher production values, and deeper character development across all soaps. And for Coronation Street, the challenge will be not just to defend its crown but to continue surprising and moving its audience in new ways.
In the end, the 2025 Inside Soap Awards were more than a ceremony—they were a celebration of a uniquely British art form that thrives on connection, resilience, and community. As the applause fades and the cast of Coronation Street returns to Weatherfield, one thing is certain: the world of soap remains as vital and compelling as ever, and fans will be eagerly watching to see what the next chapter brings.
Inside Soap editor Sarah Ellis captured the mood of the night, telling Standard, “It’s been an incredible year of drama and the results in our best soap category were the closest they’ve ever been.”