At the heart of Britain’s soap opera universe, the British Soap Awards 2025 arrived with all the pomp and excitement viewers expect. Yet for Emmerdale and its loyal fans, the night turned into a bitter pill to swallow. Despite delivering some of the most gripping, emotionally charged storylines in recent memory, the Yorkshire-based drama barely left the awards ceremony with any recognition — walking away with only two trophies while EastEnders dominated the scene with a staggering eight wins. The overwhelming success of EastEnders, coinciding with its monumental 40th anniversary, sparked a fierce backlash from Emmerdale supporters who cried foul, accusing the ceremony of being a “fix.”
The past year on Emmerdale had been nothing short of dramatic brilliance. Audiences had been riveted by Belle’s terrifying abusive marriage to Tom, a harrowing storyline that shone a spotlight on domestic abuse with raw intensity. Ruby’s heartbreaking abuse arc drew empathy and praise, showcasing the resilience of a beloved character battling trauma. Adding to the excitement, fan favourites Ross Barton and Joe Tate made highly anticipated returns, re-energizing the show with their return after six long years away. The emotional depth and quality performances were clear to many — so when none of the actors from these storylines received individual awards, fans felt their favourite soap was snubbed unfairly.
The only bright spots for Emmerdale were Amelia Flanagan, who won Best Young Performer for her role as April — a win made all the more special as she beat out her own brother William, a nominee from Coronation Street. Behind the scenes, the Tony Warren Award, honouring outstanding contribution to the industry, was awarded to Mike Plant, a cameraman who had been integral to capturing many unforgettable moments on Emmerdale over the years. These wins, while celebrated, felt like mere crumbs to fans expecting a far greater haul given the quality of the show’s output.
The imbalance in awards fueled a wave of anger and disappointment on social media, where fans voiced their frustration loudly. Many pointed to EastEnders’ dominance as a clear nod to the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations rather than an objective reflection of the past year’s best performances. Commenters expressed disillusionment with what they saw as a ceremony skewed in favour of EastEnders, with remarks like, “It was the EastEnders show,” and accusations that the event was “rigged” in their favour. Others lamented the lack of recognition for Emmerdale’s serious and impactful storylines, particularly the recent dramatic crash storyline that had gripped viewers nationwide.
Some fans wondered if the awards had become less about merit and more about celebrating milestones and boosting the profile of certain shows, leaving others like Emmerdale feeling sidelined. The sense of injustice was palpable, with some declaring that other soaps deserved a fairer chance to shine, questioning whether the results truly reflected the best in British soap drama.
Yet, despite the backlash and the sting of disappointment, there is a sense of optimism and determination among Emmerdale’s fanbase. The show’s creative team and cast have continued to push boundaries, delivering compelling narratives that resonate deeply with viewers. The award season may have fallen short this time, but the dramatic potential brewing in the village promises that the story is far from over. Fans are hopeful that 2026 will mark a turning point — a year when Emmerdale’s talent and hard work receive the recognition they so richly deserve.
In this landscape of rivalry, passion, and storytelling, the British Soap Awards remain a battleground not just for trophies, but for pride and validation. Emmerdale’s near-miss this year has only intensified the fire for the next season, ensuring that when the curtain rises again, the stakes will be higher and the drama even more unforgettable. The battle for supremacy among the soaps is far from decided, and the next chapter in this ongoing saga is poised to be as thrilling as ever.
