EastEnders was the big winner at this year's British Soap Awards, which was held last night at Manchester's Palace Theatre.
The BBC1 drama was named best soap after its 30th anniversary year culminated in a live episode revealing who murdered Lucy Beale.
It won eight awards in total with Adam Woodyatt, who plays Lucy’s father Ian, named best actor and Kellie Bright, who plays Queen Vic landlady Linda Carter, named best actress.
Adam Woodyatt, aka Ian Beale, won at the BSAs (Ian West/PA)
She also scooped the award for best dramatic performance which was presented to her by the pub’s first landlady Anita Dobson.
The search for Lucy’s killer was named best storyline and the soap’s live episode was named best single episode.
The EastEnders' crew reaction to the end of the totally live episode! https://t.co/VRvvzN2Zno
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) February 20, 2015
Woodyatt and his screen wife Laurie Brett, who plays Jane, were named best on-screen partnership at the ceremony.
John Altman (left) and Ricky Norwood attending the British Soap Awards (Ian West/PA)
Other winners include Hollyoaks star Jeremy Sheffield, who won best villain for his portrayal of Patrick Blake, while Emmerdale actress Amelia Flanagan, who plays April Windsor, won the best young performance award.
Amelia Flanagan won Best Young Performer at @SoapAwards! #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/0V4iCmHSKf
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) May 16, 2015
The rural soap also picked up the scene of the year award for Donna’s Goodbye while Coronation Street’s Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Webster, won the best comedy performance award.
Verity Rushworth, who played Donna, dedicated her win to the late Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride, who receieved an outstanding achievement award.
Another much-missed soap star – John Bardon, who played Walford's Jim Branning – also receieved a special mention at the ceremony.
