Coronation Street has beaten off rival EastEnders to bag the best soap gong at the Inside Soap Awards.

It is the first time Corrie has won the title in over a decade and the cast also scooped five more awards at the star-studded bash.

Anthony Cotton who plays barman Sean Tully on the Street and who recently had success with his own chat show, bagged best actor.

Cotton said: “I’ve won the big one this year, and I’m very very pleased that they chose me. I don’t act because of it but it’s nice that someone thinks I’m doing well.”

Rob James-Collier, who plays Liam Connor, took the awards for sexiest male and best newcomer.

Actor Jack P Shepherd won best bad boy for his part as Coronation Street’s David Platt.

But EastEnders wasn’t completely overshadowed by Corrie with the best actress award going to Lacey Turner for her feisty role as Stacey Slater.

Speaking of her triumph the starlet said: “It feels wonderful, it makes me want to go to work every day.”

Lacey also teamed up with on-screen fiancé Charlie Clements, who plays Bradley Branning, to win best couple.

Readers of the Inside Soap magazine also voted Hollyoaks actress Roxanne McKee, who plays Louise Summers, as sexiest actress.

Among the other winners on the night was the Bill, which was awarded best drama for the second year running.