Corrie crowned best soap

It was one of five gongs for the ITV soap, putting it on a par with rival soap EastEnders and is the first time the Street has won the title at the awards in over a decade.

Gallery: More pictures from the Inside Soap Awards

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton, who plays barman Sean Tully, won Best Actor. Rob James-Collier, the Street's Liam Connor, took the awards for Sexiest Male and Best Newcomer. Actor Jack P Shepherd won Best Bad Boy for his part as Coronation Street's David Platt.

EastEnders star Lacey Turner won Best Actress for her role as Stacey Slater. Together with on-screen fiance Charlie Clements (Bradley Branning), she also won the award for Best Couple.

The soap also triumphed in the Best Storyline category with Stella's torment of Phil's son, Ben.

Emmerdale celebrated two gongs, including Best Young Actor for Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle).

Coronation Street was also named Best Soap at the TV Quick and TV Choice awards earlier this month.

Inside Soap magazine editor Steven Murphy said: "This was one of the most hotly contested years for the Inside Soap Awards, and it's wonderful to see so many new names on the winners' list.

"The race for Best Soap was neck and neck until voting closed, which just proves what an outstanding year it's been in soapland."

Cotton said: "I've won the big one this year, and I'm very very pleased that they chose me. I don't act because of it but it's nice that someone thinks I'm doing well."

Turner said: "It feels wonderful, it makes me want to go to work everyday."

Winners

Best Actor: Antony Cotton (Sean Tully, Coronation Street)

Best Actress: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, EastEnders)

Sexiest Male: Rob James-Collier (Liam Connor, Coronation Street)

Sexiest Female: Roxanne McKee (Louise Summers, Hollyoaks)

Best Young Actor: Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale)

Best Newcomer: Rob James-Collier (Liam Connor, Coronation Street)

Best Bad Boy: Jack P Shepherd (David Platt, Coronation Street)

Best Bitch: Sophie Thompson (Stella Crawford, EastEnders)

Best Couple: Lacey Turner and Charlie Clements (Stacey and Bradley, EastEnders)

Funniest Character: Charlie Hardwick (Val Lambert, Emmerdale)

Best-Dressed: Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann, EastEnders)

Best Drama: The Bill

Best Storyline: Stella's torment of Ben (EastEnders)

Best Soap: Coronation Street