ENDERS IN AWARDS SHOCKER

Best British Soap EMMERDALE Best Actor JOHN MIDDLETON (ASHLEY THOMAS) – EMMERDALE Best Actress CHARLOTTE BELLAMY (LAUREL THOMAS) – EMMERDALE Best Single Episode ASHLEY’S POINT OF VIEW – EMMERDALE Best Storyline ASHLEY’S DEMENTIA – EMMERDALE Best Female Dramatic Performance KYM MARSH (MICHELLE CONNOR) – CORONATION STREET SUSAN HILL EASTENDERS was thrashed at last night’s British Soap Awards – winning only one award. Emmerdale came out on top with six gongs, including the big one – Best Soap. John Middleton, 63, who played Ashley Thomas for over 20 years, was the big winner of the night scooping Best Actor, Best Single Episode, Best Male Dramatic Performance and Best Storyline for his dementia plot. On-screen wife Charlotte Bellamy (Laurel) won Best Actress. It was the first time an Emmerdale actress has been voted by the public to win the award. John said: “It feels a bit greedy but I’m not complaining. It’s been a terrific storyline and the relevance of it has been extraordinary. But of course it’s been a team effort.” Corrie came in second, scooping four of the prestigious awards including Best Comedy. Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) won Best Female Dramatic Performance for her stillbirth storyline. She arrived with eldest son David (inset below) and dedicated her award to little son Archie who died when he was born at 21 weeks. Kym said: “I hope he’s looking down on me saying, ‘Go on Mum!’ This year’s been hard for me as an actor and a woman. It’s been an emotional night.” Hollyoaks won three awards, including two for its cancer storyline. Nick Pickard, who has played loveable Tony Hutchinson since the Channel 4 soap started in 1995, won the award for Outstanding Achievement. Close pal Ashley Taylor-Dawson (Darren Osborne) organised for 20 of his family to be in the audience as Nick was left stunned by the surprise award. Albert Square’s only award was the Tony Warren Award, which went to scriptwriter of 30 years Gillian Richmond and was presented by Pam St Clement, who played Pat Butcher. Last night an EastEnders source blamed boss Sean O’Connor for the lack of awards after he divided fans by slowing down the soap’s storylines. The source said: “Sean has made a number of changes to the show and has been planting seeds for massive storylines that have yet to play out. We never expected to do well.” Security at the glitzy bash, held at Manchester’s Lowry Theatre, was beefed up following last month’s suicide bombing in the city. The British Soap Awards, Tuesday at 8pm on ITV.