Posted June 6, 2023 by: Admin #News

The much-anticipated British Soap Awards graced the screens of soap fans across the nation, filling their evening with excitement and anticipation. Tonight, amidst cheers and applause, beloved soap stars stepped onto the stage to claim their well-deserved accolades, including Best British Soap, Best Leading Performer, and Best Villain.

The glamorous event unfolded at The Lowry Theatre in the vibrant city of Salford, Manchester, where the biggest stars of British soap operas gathered. Front row seats were occupied by the charismatic Danielle Harold (Lola), the charming Jamie Borthwick (Jay), and the talented Shona McGarty (Whitney Dean) from EastEnders. Their counterparts from Coronation Street, the delightful Charlotte Jordan (Daisy) and the charismatic Ryan Prescott (Ryan), were just a few steps away, showcasing the strong bond shared within the soap community.

Emmerdale’s esteemed cast also graced the ceremony, with soap legend Mark Charnock (Marlon), the gifted Lewis Cope (Nicky), and the talented Olivia Bromley (Dawn) proudly representing the beloved Dales. The cast members of Doctors and Hollyoaks were equally present, exuberantly celebrating their triumphs and achievements.

Radiating elegance and charisma, Jane McDonald took center stage as the delightful host of the show. The highly anticipated event was set to be aired on ITV1 and ITVX at 8 pm tonight, offering viewers an enchanting evening filled with laughter and celebration.

Behind the scenes, there were fascinating moments that escaped the viewers’ eyes. While the show was not technically live, it was filmed in a manner that gave the illusion of a live broadcast, complete with breaks. This required the attendees to remain seated despite the intermittent pauses. Nevertheless, some soap stars couldn’t resist the allure of stepping out of the auditorium momentarily. To maintain the seamless continuity during wide shots, placeholder individuals gracefully occupied their seats, ensuring that the enchantment of the ceremony was preserved.

Throughout the evening, due to the ebb and flow of cast members, there was a lively game of musical chairs, creating an atmosphere of spontaneity and camaraderie. Remarkably, none of the seat swapping left anyone stranded away from their row’s end, allowing the cameras to capture their authentic reactions to nominations and, for the fortunate few, their glorious victories.

Amidst the exhilarating ambiance, one could not help but appreciate Jane McDonald’s radiant presence as she confidently steered the ship of the awards show. Following Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down, Jane proved to be an absolute delight as the host, receiving thunderous applause and adoration from the enthusiastic crowd. Her infectious energy and warm rapport with the soap stars and the audience left an indelible mark, leading to eager anticipation for her potential return to helm the show next year.

The evening carried a touch of political humor, as comedian Chris McCausland, responsible for presenting the Best Comedy Performance award, playfully drew parallels between the soap storylines and the current political climate in Westminster. His witty remark about lying and backstabbing prompted uproarious laughter from the audience, accompanied by a cheeky quip inviting dissenters to engage with him on WhatsApp.

Jane McDonald’s delightful confession about her recent indulgence in Wagamama’s chili squid brought the house down with laughter. Her candor and down-to-earth demeanor resonated with the audience, forging an instant connection that amplified the joyous atmosphere. Despite a few minor slip-ups, Jane’s buoyant spirit remained unscathed, and her endearing moments were met with understanding and support. A special segment even led her to perch on the knee of one of the Hollyoaks stars, eliciting a chorus of laughter and delight.

Not immune to blunders, even the accomplished Wilfred Webster, known for his captivating portrayal in The Traitors, stumbled while presenting the Best Villain award. As he recited the nominees’ names, he inadvertently mispronounced Aaron Thiara’s (Ravi from EastEnders) name, provoking uproarious laughter from the EastEnders cast. However, the jovial atmosphere prevailed, and when the winner was announced, the corrected pronunciation was met with applause, suggesting that a discreet reminder had been shared with Wilfred.