Emmerdale Wins Best Soap at the UK's TV Choice Awards

It was a very successful night for Emmerdale at the 2025 TV Choice Awards given out annually by the UK’s TV Listings magazine. As one of the most popular and beloved British soaps ever, it comes as no surprise that the series once again took home the top prize for Best Soap, voted on by its legion of dedicated fans. This year’s honour marks the fifth time that Emmerdale has taken away the TV Choice Awards Best Soap trophy since 2016. This year’s TV Choice Awards were handed out at the London Hilton on February 10.

After winning last year, Emmerdale has triumphed again after another dramatic twelve months in the fictional Yorkshire village. 2024 saw two prominent soap transfers, as former Coronation Street stars Paula Lane and Oliver Farnworth joined the show, while characters including Samson, Nate and Nicky all said goodbye to the Dales. Major storylines this year included Belle’s abuse at the hands of her husband Tom and Moira’s battle with cancer.

Series star Ash Palmisciano, who plays Matty Barton, accepted the award and thanked Emmerdale viewers first and foremost. “We just want to thank our audience. Without you this show would not exist. We are so grateful to you, and we know that some of you have watched us since the very beginning.”

“No matter what’s going on in your life, we’ve been there. And we promise you that we will continue to make fantastic television, we will continue to tell the stories that resonate with you, and we will continue to tell the stories that matter.”

Beth Cordingly, who plays Ruby Fox-Miligan in the series, was also honoured as the winner of Best Soap Newcomer. Despite the newcomer title, Beth is no TV rookie, having made a big impression as The Bill’s Kerry Young back in 2002. A regular theatre performer, Beth is now having a ball playing fiery Ruby in Emmerdale, the show in which her real-life partner Ian Kelsey found fame as Dave Glover.

“After 25 years, because I’m 102, I’m best newcomer,” said Cordingly in a celebratory video with her trophy in hand shared to her Instagram account. “Thank you so much for voting for me. I’m made up. I’m so chuffed. I love Emmerdale. We’re all thrilled. And also thank you for voting for us for best soap. We love you.”

Cordingly’s performance this season has been deeply moving as her character undergoes an emotional journey dealing with sexual abuse. Her co-star and onscreen daughter Georgia Jay also shared a congratulatory message to her instagram story. “Congratulations beautiful @beth_cordingly. Couldn’t ask for a better ‘mum’ and co-star.”

On the air since 1972, you can watch the multi award-winning Emmerdale Monday through Thursday at 7:30pm ET and back-to-back episodes Fridays at 7 & 7:30pm ET. You can also catch up on the week’s episodes every Sunday from 4 to 7pm ET.