Eastenders Sweeps the Board At the British Soap Awards

17 May 2015

'Eastenders' swept the board at the British Soap Awards.

Adam Woodyatt

The BBC soap won eight awards at the event last night (16.05.15), including Best Soap, Best Actor for Adam Woodyatt - who plays Ian Beale - and Best Actress for Kellie Bright - who plays Linda Carter - topping off an incredible 30th anniversary year for the show.

The death of character Lucy Beale and the following 'Who Killed Lucy Beale?' story was named Best Storyline at the event held in Palace Theatre, Manchester, last night, while Kellie won a second award for Best Dramatic Performance.

As Adam collected the award on behalf of his colleagues, he spoke about the challenges of shooting 'Eastenders'' live episodes during which Lucy's killer was revealed.

The 46-year-old actor said: "Live week was ridiculous. It was a massive crew effort and there were 300 plus cast and crew involved."

Stars gathered at the event also took time out to remember late actress Anne Kirkbride - who died suddenly in January- whose post-humous Outstanding Achievement Award was accepted by her former 'Coronation Street' co-stars William Roache and Beverley Callard.

William, who played Anne's onscreen husband Ken Barlow on the long-running soap, said: "Anne Kirkbride was a wonderful, natural, instinctive actress who devoted her life to 'Coronation Street', becoming as much a part of the street as the cobbles themselves.

"Annie could make you laugh and make you cry in equal measure, though she would prefer to make you laugh. It has been an honour, privilege and a joy to work closely with her over the years."

British Soap Award winners:

Best British Soap

Eastenders

Best Actor

Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) - Eastenders

Best Actress

Kellie Bright (Linda Carter) - Eastenders

Villain of the Year

Jeremy Sheffield (Patrick Blake) - Hollyoaks

Best Comedy Performance

Sally Dynevor (Sally Webster) - Coronation Street

Best Newcomer