'EastEnders' tops Inside Soap Awards 2009

BBC soap EastEnders took home half the prizes at this year's Inside Soap Awards, including the night's most prestigious award for best soap.

The Walford-based serial, which retained the top accolade for the second year running, tallied seven trophies compared to Coronation Street's five. Hollyoaks managed only one, while Emmerdale walked away empty-handed.

EastEnders' Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater) took home the best actress award for the fourth year in a row, while Charlie Brooks (Janine Butcher) and Larry Lamb (Archie Mitchell) were crowned best bitch and bad boy. Archie's torment and Daniella's death was named best storyline.

Former Albert Square actress Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann) topped the best-dressed vote and John Partridge (Christian Clarke) was handed the gong for sexiest male.

Coronation Street's Gray O'Brien (Tony Gordon) headed up the ITV soap's winning lineup as he pipped co-star Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) to the best actor trophy. Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) picked up this year's sexiest female statue.

Craig Gazey - who plays Weatherfield butcher Graeme Proctor - had his second soap award win of the year, lifting another best newcomer gong and Maggie Jones (Blanche Hunt) nabbed the funniest performance title from last year's Walford winner Cheryl Fergison (Heather Trott).

Corrie's final award was handed to Alex Bain for his portrayal of Peter Barlow's (Chris Gascoyne) son Simon.

Hollyoaks' only prize of the night was handed to the McQueens for best family.

ITV police drama The Bill, meanwhile, bagged the best drama award for the fourth consecutive year.

This year's awards ceremony was held at Sketch in London's West End.

Check back on DS tomorrow for full video coverage from the ceremony.