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The wait is over, the shortlist for the 2025 Inside Soap Awards has officially been unveiled, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive years in recent memory.
Taking place on 29 September in London, the annual celebration of British soap operas promises drama both on and off-screen, as stars from Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks prepare to battle it out for top honours.
This year also sees the exciting return of the Best Exit Award, a fan-favourite category that hasn’t been included since 2019. With high-profile departures across the soaps this year, it’s no surprise the competition is fierce.
Among the acting heavyweights, EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who has confirmed her departure as Stacey Slater later this year, is nominated for Best Actress. She’ll face stiff competition from Vicky Myers (Coronation Street), Beth Cordingly (Emmerdale), and Isabelle Smith (Hollyoaks).
Corrie star Jack P. Shepherd has been nominated for two awards - Credit: ITV
For Best Actor, all eyes are on EastEnders legend Steve McFadden, whose portrayal of Phil Mitchell has been at the heart of several hard-hitting storylines. His rivals include Jack P Shepherd (Coronation Street), Jeff Hordley (Emmerdale), and Kieron Richardson (Hollyoaks).
Emmerdale staple Jeff Hordley is up for Best Actor - Credit: ITV
The Best Storyline category reflects the gripping plots that have kept audiences glued to their screens. Coronation Street’s devastating take on Mason’s death and Abi’s PTSD goes head-to-head with EastEnders’ exploration of Phil Mitchell’s mental health struggles, while Emmerdale’s controversial ‘hero complex’ arc for John Sugden and Hollyoaks’ bold focus on teenage sexual exploitation round out the nominees.
Meanwhile, the Best Showstopper category highlights the jaw-dropping moments fans will never forget, from Coronation Street’s shocking Craig’s death, to EastEnders’ explosive Nish and Suki showdown, Emmerdale’s dramatic limo crash, and Hollyoaks’ emotional storyline where Mercedes confronts her cancer scars.
Comic timing is also being celebrated, with Corrie’s Jack P Shepherd, EastEnders’ Patsy Palmer, Emmerdale’s Michael Parr, and Hollyoaks favourite Nicole Barber-Lane battling for Best Comic Performance.
Steve McFadden will hope to continue his recent award win at the NTAs - Credit: BBC
Over in the Best Villain category, it’s a rogues’ gallery featuring Joe Layton (Corrie), Navin Chowdhry (EastEnders), Oliver Farnworth (Emmerdale), and Gemma Bissix (Hollyoaks).
New blood is also being recognised, with Ryan Mulvey (Coronation Street), Laura Doddington (EastEnders), Bradley Riches (Emmerdale), and Zak Sutcliffe (Hollyoaks) up for Best Newcomer.
The revived Best Exit Award will see emotional farewells celebrated, including Corrie’s Colson Smith (Craig Tinker), EastEnders’ James Bye (Martin Fowler), and Emmerdale’s double departure of Natalie Ann Jamieson (Amy Barton) and Tyler Conti (Abe Fielding).
Of course, the ultimate showdown remains Best Soap, with Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks all hoping for the crown.
Fans have until 29 September to cast their votes, ensuring their favourite actors and storylines get the recognition they deserve. The ceremony itself promises glitz, glamour, and plenty of memorable moments, both on stage and behind the scenes.
