Emmerdale overcame stiff competition from Eastenders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Casualty
Viewers of the 2026 National Television Awards were left distracted by a Hollywood icon as Emmerdale won Best Soap.
It was a very successful night for the ITV soap on Tuesday (September 8). It was the only soap to walk away with any prizes from the ceremony held in London’s O2 Arena.
Emmerdale’s first winner was none other than Jeff Hordley. The Cain Dingle actor was crowned the winner of Best Serial Performance following a year which saw his character diagnosed with prostate cancer.
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Also up for the award at the NTAs EastEnders stars Aaron Thiara, who plays Ravi Gulati, and Paul Bradley, whose character Nigel Bates died earlier in the year after a battle with dementia.
If that wasn’t enough star power, Coronation Street’s Sue Devaney, who plays Debbie Webster and Todd Grimshaw actor Gareth Pierce were also up for the prestigious award. However, in the end it was Crumpsall native Jeff, who grew up in Oldham who walked away the winner.
Collecting his award, Jeff said: “Thank you to everyone who voted for me, it means an awful lot. I was in some really strong company, this really does take my breath away.
“It’s been an honour and a huge educational journey for me with this prostate cancer storyline. I’d like to thank Emmerdale for writing this really sensitively and highlighting all the side effects, problems and difficulties that men and families all around the country face.
“I’d like to make a special thanks to Errol, to Dennis and my father-in-law Graham for their bravery that’s inspired me through this storyline.”
He added: “A massive thanks to this lady, my wingwoman Natalie Jay Robb [who plays Natalie J. Robb and presented the award]. She makes acting a breeze. You’re just joyful Nat, every day is a joy working with you.Thank you to my real wife Zoe Henry, my rock and my soulmate.
“I am so lucky. To my two children, Stanley and Violet, you are my world and I am so thankful and grateful for you having to put up with me being Cain Dingle every day.”
The final award of the night was Best Serial Drama, which was won by EastEnders last year. With The British Soap Awards cancelled this year, the award felt more important than ever.
In the end viewers voted Emmerdale as its winner over Coronation Street, EastEnders, Casualty and Hollyoaks. Speaking on behalf of the soap was Katie Hill, who plays Katie Sugden.
“God there’s so many of us. Thank you so much to everyone who voted. Thank you to all our viewers who continue to watch and support our show. We wouldn’t have one if it weren’t for you guys.
“I want to give a massive shoutout to our amazing team at Emmerdale. The crew, production team, the writers, the cast and of course our wonderful producers Ian, Sophie and Laura.
“There’s so many people who work incredibly hard to make Emmerdale what it is. This award is really for all those people. We’re so proud to take this award back to Yorkshire. Thank you so much,” she said.
Despite many being buzzing by Emmerdale’s win, lots of people took to X, previously known as Twitter, to express their shock at Teri Hatcher presenting the award.
@oneyorkshiregay said: “Susan Mayer and Cain Dingle. A tv crossover I never had on my bingo card ever. #NTAs #DesperateHousewives #Emmerdale.” @ShellzJackson added: “IT’S TERRI HATCHER!! #NTAs.”
@droppedabop wrote: “I wonder if Teri Hatcher has ever watched Emmerdale #NTAS.” @alexr_241 posted: “The concept of Teri Hatcher giving the award to Emmerdale #NTAs.”
@pheeyonce commented: “teri hatcher pronouncing hollyoaks as 2 words is killing me #NTAS.” @JackSlaterrrr noted: “Teri Hatcher pronouncing Hollyoaks like a girl you went to school with. Delightful. #NTAs.”
Teri is best known for her portrayal of Lois Lane on the series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. She famously played Paris Carver in the Pierce Brosnan James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies.
Additionally, Teri played Susan Mayer on the dark comedy Desperate Housewives for which she won a Golden Globe Award for. She’s set to make her West End debut in the coming weeks in The Devil Wears Prada.
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