Coronation Street star Vicky Myers has hailed a ‘wonderful’ EastEnders star as they both won awards at a soap-filled bash this week.

The actress, who fans will know for playing DS Lisa Swain in the ITV soap, was among the Weatherfield favourite who ditched Manchester for London this week as the 2025 Inside Soap Awards took place.

She went home with the Best Actress award for her portrayal of the Weatherfield detective sergeant, beating Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, EastEnders), Beth Cordingly (Ruby Miligan, Emmerdale) and Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne, Hollyoaks) to the accolade.

She was also recognised for Best Partnership alongside her on-screen partner Alison King, who plays Carla Connor on the cobbles, after the pair have captured the hearts of viewers in the past year, affectionatley becoming known as ‘Swarla’.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz on the red carpet, she said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and it’s surreal actually to think that just over four years ago I came in as a guest star on four episodes and then to be stood here now holding best actress award and best partnership award is surreal.”

Vicky also shared how thinks Lisa’s relatable personality traits have made her a much-loved character on the cobbles. “I think she’s so broken and flawed, and she shows that,” she said: “And for a long time, she’s got ways of masking it, and I think as much as I’m saying she shows that, she shows that in ways people can relate to.

“And also the job that she does, her sexuality doesn’t define her, and she gets on with it. But in the same vein, she’s also very hard on herself, so she has characteristics that people can relate to, perhaps.

“But when I read different episodes, I try to pick things out the characteristics in her that OK, that’s where she’s at in this moment in time. And sometimes it can switch very, very quickly. I love playing her, and long may it continue.”

While Corrie was among the big winners on the night, as they also took home the top gong for best soap, there was an emotional moment for EastEnders actress Heather Peace.

Fans will be aware that the BBC soap star, known for playing Eve Panesar-Unwin since 2021, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, sharing the news on social media earlier this year. Keeping fans updated on her progress, including finishing her treatment in May, Heather also shared in recent months that her wife, Ellie Dickinson, was also diagnosed with breast cancer.

At the Inside Soap Awards this week, fans voted Heather as their ‘Soap Superstar’. And as she reflected on her own success on the night, Vicky also showed her support for Heather.

Sharing a selfie of the pair to her Instagram Story on Tuesday (September 30), Vicky said: “There she is! This wonderful woman who for me, the night belonged to and rightly so. Thank you @heatherpeaceofficial #insidesoapawards.”

She also included the photo in the post on her main grid, and mentioned in the caption: “The inspirational, courageous and utterly beautiful @heatherpeaceofficial.”

Taking to social media after the event, Heather thanked fans for their support as she reflected on her cancer journey. She said: “Thank you to everyone who voted for me for ‘Soap Superstar’ @insidesoapmagazine tonight. It was unexpected and feels like a full stop on this last couple of years.

“I appreciate every bit of support I’ve been given. I feel blessed. I feel thankful. I feel enriched from my experience as weird as that sounds. To anyone embarking on the road I have travelled, I send you all my love. I understand your fears and I wish you nothing but love and grounding in what you are about to embark.”

She added: “Life isn’t easy, but all the things that are thrown at us, I truly believe, shapes us into being better versions of ourselves. Sending nothing but love to anyone reading this.”