Soap stars to be honoured at awards night

The soap world’s “Oscars” take place tonight, as Coronation Street, EastEnders, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and Doctors battle it out for gongs.

EastEnders star Jo Joyner is leading the pack with a string of nominations at the British Soap Awards, which are being held at ITV’s studios on London’s South Bank.

Joyner, whose character Tanya Jessop has been at the centre of a dramatic storyline after being diagnosed with cancer, is shortlisted for best actress and best dramatic performance.

And her troubled relationship with Max Branning also sees her and co-star Jake Wood nominated for best on-screen partnership as well as best storyline.

The other best actress hopefuls are Nina Wadia, who plays Albert Square resident Zainab Khan, Coronation Street’s Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, and Hollyoaks star Karen Hassan, who plays Lynsey Nolan.

The best actor nominees are Corrie’s Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow), EastEnders star Shane Richie (Alfie Moon), Emmerdale’s Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy) and Emmett J Scanlan who plays Hollyoaks villain Brendan Brady.

Coronation Street’s Michelle Keegan is once again in the running for the sexiest female award, while EastEnders hunk Scott Maslen will be hoping to hold on to his sexiest male crown at the glitzy bash.

Walford’s farewell to cast stalwart Pam St Clement, who played Pat Butcher for 25 years, is nominated for the best single episode.

And all five dramas are nominated for best British soap, a viewer-voted award which was picked up last year by EastEnders.

Hosted by Phillip Schofield, there are 17 awards in total, voted for by a panel of expert judges or by the public.

A lifetime achievement award and a special achievement gong will be announced on the night.

The ceremony will be shown on TV3 on Wednesday May 2.