British Soap Awards 2023 Winners List: Emmerdale Fans Claim Robbery
The British Soap Awards 2023 returned to our television screens on ITV, after being hosted by Jane McDonald on 4th June. The awards ceremony, held at The Lowry Theatre in Manchester, was a glitzy affair where the country’s biggest soap stars gathered. It showcased the soap’s biggest storylines and honoured standout performances. The awards ceremony was broadcast on ITV 1 and ITV X on Tuesday, 6th June.
The Winners and the Fans‘ Reactions
The winners of the various categories were announced during the ceremony. Emmerdale was awarded only one trophy, with Mark Charnock, playing Marlon Dingle, winning the Outstanding Achievement Award. Fans were reportedly not satisfied with the results and claimed Emmerdale was robbed.
One devoted viewer wrote on Facebook: “My favourite soap came out bottom.” Another added: “I can’t stop thinking about Emmerdale winning one award.” Fans took to Twitter to vent their unhappiness, with many posting about how Emmerdale was unfairly treated and some lamenting that the awards were biased.
SPOILER WARNING: Below is the full list of winners.
- Best Single Episode – Coronation Street – Acid attack
- Villain of the Year – Aaron Thiara (Ravi Gulati) – EastEnders
- Scene of the Year – Coronation Street – Acid attack
- Best Storyline – Hollyoaks – Incel Eric targets Mason and Maxine
- Best Dramatic Performance – Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgeley) – Coronation Street
- Best Onscreen Partnership – Chris Walker & Jan Pearson (Rob Hollins & Karen Hollins) – Doctors
- Best Comedy Performer – Maureen Lipman (Evelyn Plummer) – Coronation Street
- Best Young Performer – Lillia Turner (Lily Slater) – EastEnders
- Outstanding Achievement Award (On-screen) – Mark Charnock
- Best Newcomer – Channique Sterling-Brown (Dee-Dee Bailey) – Coronation Street
- The Tony Warren Award (Off-Screen) – Peter Hunt
- Best Family – The Platts – Coronation Street
- Best Leading Performer – Danielle Harold (Lola Pearce-Brown) – EastEnders
- Best British Soap – EastEnders
Editorial: The Ethos behind Soap Awards
Soap operas have been an integral part of television entertainment for decades. They follow the daily lives of fictional characters, engaging viewers with their complicated storylines, intense drama, and relatable characters. The British Soap Awards are a platform for recognising the show’s great talent, while also celebrating the genre.
Soap operas are more than just entertainment. They create an emotional connection with their viewers, who are often committed to watching them for years. They become a part of their daily routine, something they can rely on and look forward to. The awards ceremony should reflect this and recognise the deep-rooted connection between soap operas and their audiences.
Philosophical Discussion
It’s natural for fans of a particular soap to be disappointed when it is overlooked for recognition. But it’s essential to understand that awards ceremonies, while honouring talent, are also subjective. Each member of the jury and viewer has different criteria for what makes a stand-out performance or storyline.
Soap operas offer an escape from daily life and take us to another world. The characters’ lives often mirror our own, highlighting real issues that people face every day. They make their viewers laugh, cry, and feel empathy, but they should also be a reflection of reality. Storylines that tackle societal issues, such as mental health, addiction, and diversity, should be appreciated for their educational value.
Advice: The Future of Soap Operas
The soap opera genre must evolve to keep pace with the ever-changing entertainment landscape. As viewers of all ages move towards streaming services and online content, it’s crucial that soap operas stay relevant. They must continue to innovate, introduce new characters, and integrate modern storylines and plot twists that engage viewers.
Soap operas must continue to play their role in promoting and normalising diversity. They should also work towards reducing sensationalism in favour of character-driven, realistic content. By highlighting critical social issues through the soap’s narratives, they can educate and entertain audiences while expanding the genre’s reach.
The philosophy of soap operas is to provide wholesome entertainment while highlighting real-life issues that their viewers face daily. The British Soap Awards play a central role in recognising excellence within the genre. While fans of a particular show may be disappointed with the results, awards ceremonies should be viewed as a way to celebrate the vitality of soap operas in British television culture.
<< photo by Monstera >>
