It was a star studded night with Corrie, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and EastEnders stars at the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards

It was a star-studded night in Manchester as the cast of our very own Coronation Street hit the red carpet alongside their fellow soap stars from Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and EastEnders for the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards – but there was one soap that dominated when it came to picking up silverware on the night.

Hosted by former EastEnder himself Brian Conley, it was the BBC One soap that picked up the most awards on the night after the whos who of Soapland were seen hitting the red carpet at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on Saturday (July 13).

Ahead of hosting the awards, actor and comedian Brian, who played Rocky Cotton in EastEnders, said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be hosting the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards! It’s going to be a lot of fun celebrating the very best from the wonderful world of soap – and there’ll probably be a few surprises along the way, too!”

One of those surprises was actually revealed ahead of the big night, with Emmerdale legend Chris Chittell revealed as the winner of the Special Recognition Award in the inaugural event.

Chris has played the iconic Eric Pollard in Emmerdale since 1986. Known only by his surname, Pollard has been an icon of the Dales, from scheming his way into big money deals, to getting married five times and reconnecting with his long-lost son. He’s not just an Emmerdale legend, but one of the entire world of soap.

Speaking of the honour, the actor said: “This accolade is a representation of some of the most amazing people I have ever worked with, not just the wonderful kindly actors, but the actual crews, past and present, who are the very backbone to this amazing show that has stood the test of time!

“Pollard’s strength as a character has been the fact he has an underbelly – just when he is about to capitalise on his many nefarious dealings he would fail miserably, much to the joy and satisfaction of the audience.”