It was one of five gongs for the ITV soap, putting it on a par with rival soap EastEnders.

It is the first time Coronation Street has won the title at the Inside Soap awards in over a decade.

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton, who plays barman Sean Tully, won Best Actor.

Rob James-Collier, the Street's Liam Connor, took the awards for Sexiest Male and Best Newcomer. Jack P Shepherd won Best Bad Boy for his part as Coronation Street's David Platt.

EastEnders star Lacey Turner won Best Actress for her role as Stacey Slater. Together with on-screen fiance Charlie Clements (Bradley Branning), she also won the award for Best Couple.

Best Bitch was won by Sophie Thompson, who played Phil Mitchell's crazed lover Stella.

Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann in EastEnders) won the award for Best-Dressed soap star, while Stella's torment of Phil's son, Ben, took Best Storyline.

Emmerdale celebrated two gongs, including Best Young Actor for Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle). The soap's Charlie Hardwick was awarded this year's Funniest Performance as Val Lambert.

Hollyoaks actress Roxanne McKee, who plays Louise Summers, was named Sexiest Actress. The Bill was awarded Best Drama for the second year running.