8 Secrets from the Inside Soap Awards 2025 Party
The Inside Soap Awards 2025 didn’t just celebrate the best in soap drama — it delivered one of the liveliest after-parties of the year. With the red carpet rolled up and trophies in hand, stars from EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and beyond danced, laughed, and shared some truly emotional moments. Here’s what really went down when the cameras stopped rolling.
1. Sukeve Steal the Spotlight
It was a huge night for EastEnders’ powerhouse couple Suki and Eve. Heather Peace took home Soap Superstar of the Year, with her on-screen wife Balvinder Sopal — fresh from a tough day of Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals — racing in just in time to hand her the award. Fans erupted with love for #Sukeve, calling Heather “a Northern powerhouse” and “an icon who always fights for others.”
2. Heather Peace’s Emotional Speech
Heather delivered the night’s most heartfelt speech, opening up about filming through her breast cancer diagnosis and finding strength in her EastEnders family. “My colleagues are funny, solid, and loving,” she said. “They lifted me, they made me laugh, and they let me be me.” Her words earned a standing ovation — and a few tears across the room.
3. Corrie’s “Swarlas” Triumph
Coronation Street’s dynamic duo Vicky Myers and Alison King had their own big moment. The pair won Best Partnership for their powerful performances as Lisa Swain and Carla Connor, while Vicky scooped up Best Actress. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “Four years ago I turned up for four episodes — and now I’m collecting this. Extraordinary.”
4. Stefan Dennis Brings Some Strictly Sparkle
Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis turned heads when he arrived with Strictly Come Dancing partner Dianne Buswell. The Strictly crew even filmed their evening for an upcoming VT — expect to see some glittering behind-the-scenes moments on the next episode.
5. …And a Little Straight-Talking Too
Never one to hold back, Stefan used his acceptance speech for the Outstanding Achievement Award to ask the question fans have been shouting for months: “Why has Neighbours been axed again?” he quipped, before adding with a grin, “Ask Amazon!” His words earned cheers from the crowd.
6. Not Every Winner Gets a Speech
While many stars got emotional on stage, not every category came with a speech — the dancefloor was calling, after all! Still, Corrie’s Sally Carman-Duttine took time to thank fans for the Best Soap win, joking that she was starstruck to see Stefan Dennis nearby. The Emmerdale Dingles scooped Best Family once again, prompting Inside Soap editor Sarah Ellis to joke that the award should be renamed “Best Dingles.”
7. Surprise Comebacks and Familiar Faces
The guest list was full of unexpected reunions. Corrie’s Harry Visinoni (Seb Franklin) made a surprise appearance following his brief return earlier this year. Luca Toolan, fresh off his dramatic exit as Mason Radcliffe, stirred up gossip by declaring, “Mason’s still the best guy for Betsy!” Hollyoaks fans also spotted Gary Lucy and Charlie Wernham — two much-missed faces back in the spotlight.
8. The Dancefloor That Wouldn’t Quit
The official party may have wrapped at midnight, but that didn’t stop some stars from keeping the celebration going. Emmerdale’s Bradley Riches (Lewis Barton) was among the last ones standing — and dancing — keeping spirits high long after others had retired for the night.
A Night of Triumph and Togetherness
From emotional tributes to full-blown dancefloor chaos, the 2025 Inside Soap Awards proved once again why it’s the most beloved night in the soap calendar. It wasn’t just about the trophies — it was about resilience, friendship, and the stars who bring these stories to life.