There was some good news for once on Albert Square last week as EastEnders swept the board at the British Soap Awards. In a ceremony presented by Richard and Judy, the popular BBC soap – whose storyline throws up crisis after crisis each week scooped seven of the 16 awards up for grabs, including Best Actor, Best Actress and the Best British Soap accolade for the second year running.

But arch-rival Coronation Street hardly went home empty-handed. The top ITV show was honoured with five awards, including Best Single Episode for the innovative live broadcast last December to mark the soap’s 40th anniversary.

Said EastEnders star Wendy Richard, accepting the biggest prize of the evening from Sir John Mills: “This is a marvellous thank you to everyone who voted for EastEnders. It ’s a terrific show to work on. We ’re all very proud of it.”

Especially proud were co-stars Natalie Cassidy, who was named Best Actress, and former pop star Martin Kemp, who took the best actor award. For the full list of winners and more photos of the British Soap Awards, see this week’s issue of HELLO! Magazine, on sale now.