Awards clean sweep for EastEnders

EastEnders made it a clean sweep at the National Television Awards when it scooped the Most Popular Serial Drama Award at the glittering Royal Albert Hall ceremony.

It meant that joy for the BBC's top soap, and that Coronation Street, also nominated in four categories, came away empty handed.

The award was presented by Nancy Dell'Olio, girlfriend of England's manager Sven Goran-Eriksson.

Her love rival Ulrika Jonsson gave the awards ceremony a miss.

It was one of the first times Dell'Olio has spoken in public and the Italian displayed a less than perfect grasp of the English language.

Her attempt to tell the audience she was honoured to be there got a little mangled in translation as she proudly announced instead: "It's quite an effort for me to be here."

Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace were crowned Most Popular Actor and Actress. Wallace plays feisty, loudmouth Kat Slater while Richie, plays Alfie Moon. Nigel Harman - AKA Albert Square bad boy Dennis Rickman - won Best Newcomer

Richie said backstage: "She'd make a great Slater sister."

The EastEnders cast tried not to gloat about trouncing arch rivals Coronation Street.

Richie said: "It's great how EastEnders swept the board. We're really chuffed.

"Corrie has had great storylines this year, particularly Brian Capron as Tricky Dicky. But do I feel sorry for Coronation Street? No."

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