Coronation Street has been tipped for success at the British Soap Awards 2009. Helen Flanagan, who stars as Rosie Webster in the ITV1 soap, comfortably won the Sexiest Soap Star category in the Virginmedia.com poll of over 5,000 people ahead of the ceremony on Saturday. Helen said: "It would be great to win on Saturday but it's actually lovely just to be nominated and to win the virginmedia.com poll is fantastic." Gray O'Brien, who plays Coronation Street bad boy Tony Gordon, was declared Villain Of The Year. "It is always great to play a character who strikes a chord with the viewers - villains are so interesting to play and it's fantastic that people enjoy watching Tony as much as I enjoy playing him," said Gray. The Best Actor category was more closely fought, with Coronation Street's Simon Gregson beating off EastEnders' Steve McFadden for the Best Actor accolade. "To win an award for something you love doing is always great," said Simon, who has played Steve McDonald since 1989. "Let's hope Corrie does well on Saturday night." EastEnders did manage one of the top spots though with Samantha Janus topping the Best Actress section for her portrayal of troubled club owner Ronnie Mitchell. The British Soap Awards take place on May 9 and will be aired on ITV at 8pm on May 13. See www.virginmedia.com/britishsoapawards2009 for more on the poll.
