Soap stars dazzle on red carpet as Coronation Street dominates Inside Soap Awards

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Olivia Tobin22 October 2018
The Weekender

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Coronation Street has dominated the Inside Soap awards with special praise going towards Shayne Warne for the memorable suicide storyline.

The stars of Britain’s best loved soaps were out in force on Monday night as they attended the industry awards in Soho.

Emmerdale’s Charley Webb led the glamour at Tuesday’s awards, in a sheer lace maxi dress.

Coronation Street actress Julia Goulding also stunned at the glitzy event. The actress, who plays Shona Ramsey, also wore black too.

Coronation Street scored big at the annual award show, claiming prizes in seven categories.

The popular ITV show won more prizes than any other soap.

It clinched awards in Best Soap, Best actor and Best Shock Twist, among others.

Coronation Street's Connor McIntyre has said serious soap storylines can save lives.

Speaking on the red carpet, the Pat Phelan actor said storylines such as Aidan Connor's suicide and David Platt's rape were "another level".

He said: "What this year has taught us, or reminded us of, not taught us, it's always been true, is that given its moment, continuing drama or soap can provide drama that is on a par with anything that's on TV at the moment.

"Hence the conversation around, is Corrie getting too dark, because we got really near to the line. Bearing in mind that we were working with those restrictions, and some of the drama was another level."

"I'm not just talking about Phelan," he added, referencing his serial killer character.

"Aidan's suicide, David's rape story, they sit with anything that was on at that time. Aidan's storyline, the phone lines went crazy - it saved lives," he said.

The actor said it was "brilliant" when soaps could both provide great drama and raise awareness.

Echoing this, Hollyoaks' Gregory Finnegan has said storylines such as Cleo McQueen's struggle with bulimia have been "really important" for viewers.

The actor, who plays James Nightingale, said Hollyoaks has a younger viewership than other soaps.

"It's important to try and show a younger audience a different take on life," he said.

"We have a bit of a different remit I think, more of a social conscience potentially, I don't know."

He went on: "Cleo's storyline about bulimia recently is massive, there are so many girls and men, boys, dealing with that problem.

"The show and the Don't Filter Feelings movement that they have started has been really important I think, in showing mental health awareness and all that kind of stuff. That it's not a weakness and to try to get people on board with that.

"I know that other soaps have been dealing with the same kinds of things. It's tremendously important to get that message out there and we have done that really well."

Additional reporting by Press Association

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