'Home and Away', 'Neighbours' awards success thrills Channel 5

Channel 5 bosses have expressed delight after their Australian soaps Home and Away and Neighbours took home both of the daytime prizes at the Inside Soap Awards 2011 last night.

As announced yesterday evening, Home and Away beat off competition from Neighbours and Doctors to be named 'Best Daytime Soap' at the event in Camden, London.

Meanwhile, Neighbours favourite Ryan Moloney (Jarrod 'Toadie' Rebecchi) triumphed over castmate Jackie Woodburne, Home and Away actress Esther Anderson and Doctors actor Matthew Chambers in the 'Best Daytime Star' category.



Greg Barnett - Channel 5's commissioning editor for entertainment, daytime and soaps - said today: "We're absolutely delighted Home and Away, in its 24th year, has received this accolade from UK viewers.

"The series has had incredible drama content this year from the ongoing misbehavings of the River Boys to Marilyn's baby drama. The characters and stories seem to have really resonated with viewers."

Of Moloney's win, Barnett added: "Neighbours, in its 26th year, has always had a special place in the hearts of UK viewers and Ryan has been a favourite since he first stepped on to Ramsay Street 15 years ago.

"In the last year, he's been at the centre of dramatic and humourous storylines which he's played out terrifically. It's a great testament to him that he's still a firm favourite with UK viewers."

EastEnders was the biggest winner on the night, taking home five prizes including 'Best Soap'.

> Inside Soap Awards 2011: The full winners list
> Read all the latest Neighbours news and spoilers
> Read all the latest Home and Away news and spoilers