The Inside Soap Awards are back for their 29th year, and this year’s competition is one of the most intense yet. While public voting has now closed in most categories, the battle for the all-important Best Soap crown is still underway — and fans have until 12pm on Monday, September 29 to make their voices heard.
Why This Year’s Awards Feel Different
It has been a landmark year across the soaps, with moments that shocked, devastated, and thrilled audiences. EastEnders celebrated its 40th anniversary, Coronation Street put the Platt family through fiery peril, Emmerdale delivered a jaw-dropping limo crash, and Hollyoaks tackled the harrowing teen exploitation storyline.
The return of familiar faces made headlines too — from Robert Sugden crashing Aaron Dingle’s wedding in Emmerdale to the outrageous resurrection of Clare Devine in Hollyoaks. These bold moves ensured every soap brought unforgettable drama in 2025.
The Categories That Had Fans Talking
Although the Best Soap vote remains open, the longlist nominations across all other categories have highlighted just how strong the competition has been this year.
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Best Actress: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, EastEnders) and Emma Atkins (Charity Dingle, Emmerdale) lead a powerhouse list.
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Best Actor: Danny Miller (Aaron Dingle, Emmerdale) and Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell, EastEnders) are among the big contenders.
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Best Villain: Navin Chowdhry’s Nish Panesar (EastEnders) and Oliver Farnworth’s John Sugden (Emmerdale) brought menace and chaos.
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Best Exit: Emotional farewells in Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks left viewers in tears.
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Best Showstopper: From Angie Watts’ shock return in EastEnders to the limo crash disaster in Emmerdale, soaps reminded us they still know how to deliver spectacle.
And for something truly unique, the Soap Superstar Award returned, giving fans the chance to spotlight the performer who went above and beyond this year.
Who Will Take Home Best Soap?
The ultimate showdown is between the big four:
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Coronation Street
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EastEnders
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Emmerdale
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Hollyoaks
Each show has brought unforgettable highs and heartbreaking lows this year, making it tougher than ever for fans to decide.
How You Can Vote
Voting for Best Soap closes at 12pm on Monday, September 29. Once you’ve voted, you’ll also have the chance to enter a prize draw to win a year’s subscription to Inside Soap, delivered straight to your door.
This year’s ceremony promises to be full of emotional speeches, surprise wins, and well-deserved recognition for the stars and storylines that kept us glued to our screens.
