Veteran actress Denise Welch received a special award at the British Soap Awards, celebrating her contributions to *Emmerdale*, *Coronation Street*, *Hollyoaks*, and *EastEnders*.
Initially slated to present the Best Newcomer award, Welch was surprised with a unique honor recognizing her remarkable achievement as the only actor to have held significant roles across all four iconic British soaps.
Overwhelmed, Welch expressed her gratitude, humorously adding that she was indifferent to which show won Best Soap, given her involvement in each.
The ceremony, broadcast on ITV on Thursday, following its weekend event, saw viewers affectionately dub Welch the “Queen of Soaps.”
Sharing the stage with former *EastEnders* star Martin Kemp, Welch’s surprise began as Kemp introduced the Best Newcomer category.
However, Kemp announced: “Before we proceed, a special announcement is in order. Denise’s recent role in *Emmerdale* as a juror cemented her status as the only actor with major parts in all four soaps. Therefore, we present her with this special award.”
Kemp’s wife, Shirlie, joined them to present the “CHEE” award—a playful acronym representing each soap—a unique trophy incorporating memorable items from each show: a Coronation Street cobblestone, an *Emmerdale* wellington boot, a *Hollyoaks* pub label, and an *EastEnders* Pat Butcher earring.
An emotional Welch exclaimed, “Thank you so much! Hey, Mum and Dad, I won a CHEE!” She jokingly added, “When asked who I want to win Best Soap, I say, ‘I don’t mind; I’ve been in them all!'”
Social media erupted with congratulatory messages, with viewers expressing their joy and admiration, some even calling her the “Queen of England.”
*EastEnders* dominated the night, securing eight awards, including Best British Soap. The Hackney Empire hosted the event, with singer and *Loose Women* star Jane McDonald as the emcee.
Best Single Episode
Coronation Street: Mason’s Death
WINNER: EastEnders: Phil’s Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985
Emmerdale: April’s Life On The Streets
Hollyoaks: Hollyoaks Time Jump
Scene of the Year
Coronation Street: Mason’s death
WINNER: EastEnders: Angie Watts’ shock return
Emmerdale: Amy’s Deathly plunge reveals a grisly secret
Hollyoaks: Mercedes confronts her mortality
Actor James Bye swaps Martin Fowler’s fruit and veg stall for a manor house in his role as Mr Darcy
Tameka Empson reveals strange places she’s been approached by fans – and being starstruck herself.
In his new film the actor plays a man who has six weeks save his marriage – but what are his top tips for romantic bliss?
Foster, who played Christian Wright, gets a jail term of more than eight years but remains at large.
The Gillingham-born actress is best known for playing Suki Panesar-Unwin in EastEnders.