British Soap Awards 2025: Winners, Date, Location & Highlights

The British Soap Awards made a triumphant return on 31 May 2025 at Hackney Empire, ending a two-year gap that left fans wondering if ITV had shelved the ceremony for good. Now that the votes are tallied and the confetti has settled, EastEnders has reasserted its dominance in a big way — taking home eight awards including the top prize. Whether you caught the broadcast or are just discovering who walked away with the trophies, here’s everything that happened.

Date: 31 May 2025 · Location: Hackney Empire, London · Host: Jane McDonald · Best British Soap: EastEnders · Total Awards for EastEnders: 8

Where can I watch the 2025 Soap Awards?

If you missed the live ceremony on 31 May, you could still catch the broadcast on television. The awards aired on ITV1 at 8pm on 5 June 2025, with simultaneous streaming available on ITVX and STV for viewers across the UK.

Broadcast details

The ceremony was broadcast on ITV1 in primetime, reaching a wide audience of soap fans who had been waiting two years for this return. ITVX offered on-demand access for those who prefer streaming, while STV carried the broadcast for Scottish viewers.

Streaming options

For viewers outside the UK or those who prefer online access, ITVX served as the primary streaming platform. The service allowed fans to watch the ceremony at their convenience following the initial broadcast.

The pattern reflects ITV’s broader streaming strategy, making the ceremony accessible beyond traditional broadcast windows.

Who won The British Soap Awards in 2025?

EastEnders dominated the 2025 British Soap Awards, winning eight awards including Best British Soap. The show’s dominance marks a remarkable return after taking home the top prize in 2022 before the ceremony’s two-year hiatus.

Best British Soap

EastEnders reclaimed the Best British Soap title, defeating Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks. This win demonstrates the show’s continued popularity with both voters and the awards’ panel.

EastEnders dominated the ceremony with eight wins, including Best British Soap, as well as winning the other publicly-voted awards and four panel-voted awards.

— Wikipedia, citing the 2025 British Soap Awards coverage

Top acting winners

Lacey Turner won Best Leading Performer for her portrayal of Stacey Slater, a role she has played since 2008. Patsy Palmer secured Best Comedy Performance as Bianca Jackson, while Steve McFadden took Best Dramatic Performance as Phil Mitchell. Rudolph Walker and Angela Wynter won Best On-Screen Partnership for their roles as Patrick and Yolande Trueman.

What channel are The British Soap Awards on?

The British Soap Awards have traditionally aired on ITV1, and the 2025 ceremony followed that pattern. Jane McDonald has served as presenter since 2023, when she replaced Phillip Schofield following his departure from ITV.

ITV broadcast history

ITV has been the home of the British Soap Awards for decades, making the network the primary broadcaster for this celebration of UK soap opera talent. The 2025 ceremony marked the third consecutive year under Jane McDonald’s hosting.

Are The British Soap Awards on TV in 2025?

After ITV cancelled the 2024 ceremony for undisclosed reasons, the 2025 awards returned to television on 5 June 2025, broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, and STV. This marked the triumphant return fans had been hoping for.

Ceremony confirmation

The 2025 ceremony at Hackney Empire on 31 May was confirmed earlier in the year, with nominations announced on 7 April and the shortlist released on 1 May. Public voting closed on 30 May, just one day before the live event.

After ITV cancelled the 2024 ceremony for undisclosed reasons, this marked the return of the awards after two years.

— BBC entertainment coverage of the 2025 British Soap Awards

Did ITV cancel The British Soap Awards for 2026?

ITV has confirmed that the British Soap Awards will not return in 2026, ending any speculation about future ceremonies. The network has not provided detailed reasons for this decision beyond the previously undisclosed cancellation of the 2024 event.

Future status

The cancellation of both the 2024 ceremony and confirmed absence of a 2026 ceremony raises questions about the future of this award show. ITV has not announced any plans to revive the awards beyond 2025.

Related reading: West End Live 2025

While EastEnders dominated the night, Coronation Street star Jack P. Shepherd continues to shine as David Platt in ITV’s rival soap powerhouse.

Frequently asked questions

Winners and nominees at a glance

The complete list of winners reflects both public votes and panel decisions across all eligible categories.