There were tears of sadness as well as joy at last night’s British Soap Awards.
Stars of the nation’s biggest soaps sobbed as the husband of Anne Kirkbride stepped up to collect the Outstanding Achievement Award.
The honour was presented to David Beckett by Corrie stars William Roache and Beverly Callard.
It’s the first time a soap star has ever been given the award posthumously.
Anne, who died in January, had played much-loved Deirdre Barlow for 42 years.
The emotional moment came at the end of a week during which many of the Coronation Street cast cried as they filmed the scene announcing Deirdre’s death.
Chris Gascyone, who quit his role as Peter Barlow last year, and actress Susie Blake Deirdre’s close friend Bev Unwin will also both return for Deirdre’s funeral.
The moving tribute will be screened next month and was approved by Anne’s husband David.
The industry bash, the biggest night of the year for soap stars, with a glitzy parade on the red carpet.
Jorgie Porter (left) and Gemma Merna
EastEnders scooped three of the biggest awards, including best soap, and a best actor gong for Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, and best actress award for Kellie Bright for her role as Linda Carter.
Familiar faces posed for pictures as they made their way into Manchester’s Palace Theatre
Among them were Corrie actress Brooke Vincent as well as Hollyoaks stunners Gemma Merna, Jennifer Metcalfe and Jorgie Porter.
Alison King broke her fans’ hearts recently when she announced she’s quitting Corrie later in the year.
However, she made every effort to cheer them up dressed in a floor-length black gown.
But while the stars pulled out all the stops, the Awards didn’t feature Sexiest Female won for the last six years by ex-Street star Michelle Keegan and Sexiest Male categories.
They had been ever-present since the awards started 17 years ago but bosses axed them saying they wanted more relevant awards.
And the move got the backing of Emmerdale stunner Natalie Anderson.
Natalie, 33, has previously been nominated but was thrilled to be recognised for her performances, not looks, with a Best Actress nod.
“It was flattering to be up for Sexiest Female before,” mum-of-one Natalie told the Sunday Post before heading into the ceremony.
“But I’m glad we don’t have it any longer.”
The ceremony will be screened on ITV on Thursday.
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