EastEnders still on top

EastEnders cleaned up at a TV soap awards last night, clinching eight prizes including best soap.

It was the third year in a row that the hit BBC 1 show had won the top prize at the Inside Soap Awards.

Shane Richie, who plays landlord Alfie Moon, scooped four gongs, including sexiest male and best newcomer. The programme's success corresponded with the return of character Dirty Den after an absence of 14 years.

Richie said: 'Working for EastEnders is just getting better and better. There is a real buzz to the show.'

Rival Coronation Street landed five prizes at the event, held in La Rascasse restaurant in Central London.

The show's Suranne Jones, who plays Karen McDonald, picked up bestdressed star and best couple alongside Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald).