Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks actors take to the red carpet to celebrate the best in business at the Inside Soap Awards for another year.
As they celebrate the absolute best of the year, soap stars from all over the world of soaps have gathered in London for a night filled with glamour and glitz. The annual Inside Soap Awards are taking place in the capital with Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks favorites.
The soaps with the most powerful plots, most recognizable characters, and most heartfelt endings from the past year are celebrated. The ability to choose who will win the prized trophy hands the viewers an extremely important role.
Joanne Clifton, a former Strictly Come Dancing star, revealed to It Takes Two viewers that she is engaged, with host Fleur East revealing the news live.
Joanne, 41, confirmed to Instagram followers earlier today that AJ Jenks would be her husband. Joanne shared several images of the pair, saying, “We’re getting married because we’re bored.” Cheers”!
However, Joanne made the announcement on tonight’s return to It Takes Two on television. Joanne was introduced to for Choreography Corner by co-host of the BBC Two show Fleur East, who stated, “You’ve been really busy – you’re back on stage right now with Faulty Towers the Play and you’ve just got engaged”!
In 2016 (BBC), Joanne Clifton defeated Ore Oduba to win the Strictly Come Dancing competition.
“I have”! Joanne made fun of her outfit before responding. A little on the nose, white dress, etc.
“We’re so happy for you, Fleur,” Fleur continued.
Throughout her ballroom and Latin dancing career, Joanne has won titles in the United Kingdom, Italy, Europe, and the United States. From 2014 to 2016, she worked as a professional on Strictly Come Dancing, winning along with Ore Oduba in her final season.
She has appeared in numerous stage productions, including The Addams Family, The Rocky Horror Show, Shrek the Musical, and Flashdance.
Since 2020, she and actor AJ have been dating. Numerous famous people congratulated the pair on their social media posts, including a number of Strictly stars, in the comments section.
As well as Joanne’s former sister-in-law Karen Hauer, who emailed well-wishes, Gorka Marquez, Carlos Gu, and Oti Mabuse, who also sent well-wishes. Congratulations on your beautiful wedding.
Additionally, Stacey Dooley, who has spent more than five years with Joanne’s brother Kevin Clifton, wrote: “Whehehehheyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Kevin, who is also a former Strictly professional, shared the news in his own post. A ring emoji and a heart emoji were added to the message “@realjoanneclifton &, @aj_jenksuk got engaged.”
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Coronation Street won the biggest prize at the Inside Soap Awards this year, beating Coronation Street. EastEnders, the BBC’s rival, remained in their wake thanks to the ITV soap, which won the prestigious categories.
For the second year in a row, the popular soap won the major award for Best Soap. Additionally, several of the soap’s main stars won awards in their own categories.
That included Lisa Swain star Vicky Myers, whose David Platt character on the Corrie cobbles won the award for Best Actress, and Jack P Shepherd, whose David Platt character on the Corrie cobbles won the same award.
David Platt as Jack P. Shepherd (ITV)
Inside Soap editor Sarah Ellis stated at the ceremony, “Our Best Soap category results were the closest they’ve ever been,” adding: “It’s been a fantastic year of drama.
Corrie’s victory caps off a fantastic year for the soap, which is undoubtedly fueled by Alison King’s and Vicky Myers’ huge fan base, Swarla, who won Best Partnership.
See the full list of winners below.
Complete list of the winners of the Inside Soap Awards
Best Soap-Coronation Street
Vicky Myers (Lisa Swain, Coronation Street) wins best actor.
Steve McFadden (Philipp Mitchell, EastEnders), best actor
Jack P Shepherd (Coronation Street, David Platt) gives the best comic performance.
Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar, EastEnders), Best Villain
Amelia Flanagan (April Windsor, Emmerdale) wins best young performer.
Laura Doddington (Nicola Mitchell, EastEnders), the best newcomer.
James Bye (Martin Fowler, EastEnders), Best Exit
The Dingles (Emmerdale): Best Family
Best Co-Owners Alison King and Vicky Myers (Coronation Street’s Carla Connor and Lisa Swain)
Best Storyline: Coronation Street’s Mason’s passing and Abi’s PTSD
Best Showstopper: Emmerdale’s The Limo Accident
Stefan Dennis, Paul Robinson, Neighbours, is the best daytime star.
Michael Stevenson (Iain Dean, Casualty) is the best drama actor.
EXCLUSIVE: Big Brother star Nathan has opened up about his whirlwind experience on the show, admitting he has one major regret from his time in the reality show house
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Nathan is opening up about a particular regret from his time in the Big Brother house
Big Brother star Nathan King has opened up candidly about his whirlwind experience in the house, admitting that he has one major regret from his time in the house.
The 25 year old Tory opened up about regretting having a brief romance with fellow contestant Rosie, affectionately nicknamed “Baked Potato”. He says: “Honestly, I’d stay single if I could do it all again. Nobody needed to see that carry on. That was an absolute joke.”
He reflects that the heightened emotions in the house made the connection feel more intense than it really was. “We got on really well, had a great time together, but after the show, we realised we’re two very different people. That’s it — nothing more, nothing less.”
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Nathan, who was known for his outspoken personality, also spoke about the “villain” edit he received during the series. As one of the few openly Tory contestants, he quickly became a lightning rod for viewers’ opinions. “At first, people hated me,” he admits.
“I think it’s just a reality TV thing — if you’re a Tory, you’re immediately seen as the villain.” But Nathan insists the portrayal didn’t tell the full story. “For some reason, Tories seem to do alright on these shows once viewers actually get to know you, instead of just the label. It’s funny how that works.”
Life outside the house has been a whirlwind. Nathan describes the first month after leaving as overwhelming, especially when adjusting to online scrutiny. “I got negative comments, even death threats, just for posting my opinions online. That was shocking because I’m not a hateful person; I just share my thoughts.”
Before entering Big Brother, Nathan had almost no social media presence — posting once a year on Instagram and having just 200 followers. Today, he posts daily on TikTok, sometimes two or three times a day, while also becoming actively involved in politics and causes he cares about. “Big Brother opened doors I never imagined. It’s been amazing,” he says.
The mental challenges of life in the house were also significant. Nathan explains how living in a confined space with the same people every day changes your mindset. “You get attached faster than you’d expect. I’m not someone who cries easily, but seeing someone leave can hit you emotionally.”
“You really do bond, even in just a few weeks.” And while the house was physically and emotionally intense, he notes that the show’s producers were meticulous in creating tension. “They know exactly how to push you to the edge without breaking you. It’s all part of the game for the viewers’ entertainment.”
Nathan also talks about his friendships inside the house, particularly his bond with Emma. “She just made me laugh. She didn’t care what anyone thought, said it like it was, and wanted to have fun. We made each other’s experiences so much better. For six weeks we just laughed constantly — we really took the piss out of everything and everyone.”
Despite the highs, Nathan has learned to navigate life after the cameras. “Big Brother doesn’t owe you a good edit. They’re making a TV show. You’ve got to make your own story.”
He’s embraced single life and independence. “I’m happy as I am. If someone comes along who adds to my life, great, but if not, I’m fine. I enjoy being able to do what I want, when I want.”
Looking back, Nathan says the entire journey — from the intense house experience to the spotlight outside — has been unforgettable. “It was an eye-opener. I’ve learned a lot about myself, about other people, and about handling scrutiny. But I wouldn’t change a thing. Not a thing.”
Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has revealed his true thoughts on the ‘saddest ever’ Grand Designs house finally selling after years of work, debt and the breakdown of a marriage
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Kevin McCloud has visited Edward Short at the property many times over the years(Image: Channel 4)
Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud has given his verdict on the sale of the home dubbed the ‘saddest ever’ to feature on the show. The presenter has been on hand to offer advice and support to people looking to build their very own homes.
He has fronted the Channel 4 show for years, having witnessed countless impressive builds and touching stories along the way. However, one home caught the attention of Kevin and viewers for the wrong reasons.
Edward Short set out to create his own seaside dream property but has became infamous as the ‘saddest-ever’ Grand Designs build that put him through an emotional and financial wringer. Chesil Cliff House saw him overrun the budget by £7million and crumbled his marriage after 12 years of construction.
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Edward and his wife Hazel invested their life savings into a demolish-and-rebuild property endeavour, but they faced unrelenting challenges that turned their dream into a nightmare.
The once-ambitious project was ultimately re-listed at a significantly reduced price a long 13 years after the Grand Designs team first documented their journey. Just last month, it was revealed that the property had finally sold.
It was listed for £10million in 2022, and two years later it was relisted by debt collectors with the price slashed down to £5.25million. Now, Kevin has spoken out on the house for the first time since the long-awaited sale.
He said: “I know that Ed will have a lot of mixed emotions about it, he’s been wanting to sell the project for so long – he’s immensely attached to the building, it was a passion project for him, one that he didn’t intend to sell initially.
“Of course, over the years he’s come to the understanding that it had to be sold. Not least because it allows him, Hazel and their two girls to live their lives again.”
Kevin added: “It’s been a huge part of his life, and a huge part of our life – making the programme and revisiting him. I’ve got to know Ed very well, and I know that he’ll have mixed feelings. His relationship with that place is complex.
“I just pray that it brings all the resolution and all the opportunity to move on that he was hoping, and I know that it will be a relief for him and for Hazel, and that it will refresh a degree of sadness as well, because its occupied so much of their lives, and changed their lives in so many ways”.
Speaking of the sale, Edward previously said: “It is definitely the closure of a long chapter of my life – there is no doubt about that. I mentally moved on from the property a while ago as the writing was on the wall.
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“I am relieved it is sold; it gives me closure. I put everything I could as a person to make it work, but it didn’t. It is not the end of the world, but it was a financial failure.”
Kevin was speaking ahead of Grand Designs Live at NEC Birmingham, the UK’s premier home and design exhibition, taking place from 3-5 October
READ MORE: ‘Perfect match’ foundation that leaves skin ‘flawless’ uses ‘world first’ technology
Vicky Pattison continues to share her behind-the-scenes beauty secrets on her Strictly journey, and she’s just given fans a peek at a key drugstore makeup product in her arsenal
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Vicky Pattison swears by this £9 primer to keep her Strictly makeup in place(Image: Getty)
Vicky Pattison has joined other British TV icons who adore this drugstore primer, as she shared a snap to her social media of her makeup kit. Keen-eyed fans will have noticed the viral sensation from Maybelline, their New York Grippy Serum Makeup Primer, among the products featured in Vicky’s beauty routine.
Beauty enthusiasts will concur that there’s nothing worse than crafting a flawless makeup look, only for it to fade throughout the day. That’s why a primer can be the hero of your skincare routine. Recently having gained a cult following, the Maybelline Grippy Serum Makeup Primer is touted to provide grip for “up to 24 hours”.
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This affordable primer is so well-liked that Alison Hammond recently sang its praises. The This Morning presenter recently teamed up with the high street brand, donning the primer to demonstrate how it remains “plumping” and “hydrating” in various situations such as at the gym, out clubbing and more.
The celeb-approved primer, which can be found in Vicky’s beauty kit, normally retails for the budget-friendly price of £10.99 at retailers like Boots, or for the discounted price of £8.79 at Amazon or Lookfantastic.
Unlike other primers on the market, Maybelline’s uses a serum-like dropper to deliver an “ultra blendable” formula and a serum-to-grip technology that activates within 20 seconds of application.
Infused with 2% niacinamide, the primer adheres to your makeup, promising a long-lasting look that is said to never feel cakey or heavy on the skin, thanks to its “24 hours worth of hydration.”
It’s not just Alison and Vicky who are fans of the Maybelline Serum Primer, as it has garnered a 4.7 rating based on hundreds of reviews on the makeup brand’s website, with users saying it leaves their skin looking “glowy” and “flawless.”
One five-star review read: “This is an amazing primer and makes you look flawless and doesn’t feel greasy at all. I really recommend this primer if you are looking for one that is not greasy and lightweight on the face. So good!”.
Another user commented on its staying power, stating: “This is no joke when it says grippy, it means grippy. This product is not only grippy, but it helps your makeup stay on 24/hrs.”
While another beauty enthusiast wrote: “Love it!! Foundation sticks perfectly without looking cakey or patchy. Also, it lasted pretty well and helped my skin look more glowy. It comes in a glass container, and for the price, you can’t beat it!”.
However, some users have reported a “sticky” or “tacky” residue being left on the skin, with one three-star review reading: “This primer grips extremely well, but I feel like it leaves that sticky residue. Also creates texture on my face, which I don’t usually get with any other primers/without. For eyelid primer, this would be great.”
However, some have praised the formula for its longevity-boosting properties, with one fan sharing: “This is hands down the best drugstore primer I have ever used. I am typically not a fan of this sticky consistency, but I can’t say enough good things about it. It absorbs so well and makes my makeup stay twice as long. So good!!”
Another devotee of the primer penned: “Lightweight texture, sinks in quickly and makes makeup smooth on seamlessly. It doesn’t pill, it’s hydrating but not thick or sticky. I like how it also benefits the skin; it contains niacinamide, so it is hydrating and adds a layer of protection between the skin and makeup.”
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Maybelline isn’t the only brand offering a long-lasting grip, as NYX’s The Face Glue, currently on sale at Lookfantastic for £7.19, is also claimed to offer “24 hours worth of hydration and wear.”
