EastEnders fans ‘raging’ after BBC soap is snubbed for NTA and beaten by Emmerdale

Soap fans were divided on Wednesday night, as the big shows battled it out at the National Television Awards 2024.

The nominations for Best Serial Drama were Hollyoaks, Coronation Street, Casualty, Emmerdale and EastEnders. As the soaps went up against each other for the win, cast members and fans had to wait until the live ceremony to find out who was victorious.

After huge storylines and moments across all of the soaps in the past year, it could have been any of them taking to the stage to accept the trophy. From serial killers and heartbreaking illnesses to stunts and the usual carnage, all of the soaps had something to offer.

But ultimately it was Emmerdale who scooped the best soap prize, beating ITV rival Corrie and the others to be named best Serial Drama. The cast were thrilled with their win, applauded by the other soap stars in attendance while viewers also had their say.

While Emmerdale fans were happy to scoop the prize for the first time in two years, understandably fans of the other soaps were not impressed. Corrie fans in particular were gutted they did not win the prize after a huge year for the show, with some saying they were “robbed”.

As the winners were announced, fans took to X to share their sadness that Corrie lost out. EastEnders fans also fumed, while many viewers “could see” why Emmerdale got the award.

One fan fumed: “REOPEN THE VOTES, recount them! This was a clear Eastenders/Corrie face off, what tf even happened on Emmerdale this year to beat those 2.” Another said: “I’m sorry but Corrie should have won,” as a third added: “EE may have not won, they are all winners in our hearts!”

Others disagreed though, with one writing: “Congrats everybody, well done and so well deserved.” Another said: “Well done guys x,” as a third wrote: “Well deserved for what’s been a good year..”

It comes as Coronation Street fans were left in tears on Monday night as the long-running soap aired a deeply emotional exit for Paul Foreman, bringing his impactful MND storyline to a close. The much-loved character, played by Peter Ash, was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative condition last year. Peter scooped the prize for Serial Drama Performance on Wednesday night for his character.

In scenes that aired on Monday, September 9, Paul took his final breath while his husband Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) frantically tried to reach him after losing his mobile phone during a night out with David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd). Tragically, Billy didn’t get the chance to say a proper farewell to his soulmate.

Meanwhile it was a huge year for EastEnders amid the big twist with The Six and Keanu Taylor’s Christmas murder. Emmerdale’s key storyline has seen Belle Dingle face harrowing abuse at the hands of her controlling husband Tom King, with actress Eden Taylor-Draper nominated at the awards for Serial Drama Performance.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.