The British Soap Awards 2025 were broadcast on ITV1 on Thursday night, with Denise Welch receiving a special award

Viewers of the British Soap Awards 2025 all said the same thing as Denise Welch made history on Thursday (June 5).

A number of beloved stars from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders and Hollyoaks gathered at London’s Hackney Empire to commemorate another year of unforgettable soap drama.

Jane McDonald, 62, reprised her role as host for the awards ceremony, which aired on ITV1 this evening.

During the show, Denise Welch and Martin Kemp took to the stage to present the award for Best Newcomer. However, before they could announce the nominees, Denise was taken aback when Martin revealed a special surprise.

“Before we go any further, there is something very special that I need to mention. Now, this year, Denise appeared in Emmerdale as a juror in Tom King’s court case,” he announced, reports the Express.

Soap Awards

Denise Welch was presented an award on Thursday (June 5)
“This means she’s officially the only actor to have had a major part in Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, EastEnders and Emmerdale. So, Denise tonight we want to give you a special award.”

Shirlie Kemp then joined them on stage to present Denise with the unique CHEE award, an acronym representing each soap.

The award incorporated memorabilia from each show, including a cobble from Corrie, the Dingle wellie from Emmerdale, a label from Hollyoaks pub The Dog in the Pond, and one of Pat Butcher’s iconic earrings.

“Thank you so much!” Denise expressed after receiving the award.

Soap Awards

Denise Welch has appeared in Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, EastEnders and Emmerdale
She then joked, “I was gonna say, when they ask, ‘Who do you want to win Best Soap?’ I say, ‘Well, I don’t mind because I’ve been in all of them.’”

The show’s viewers quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) after watching the segment, with one person writing: “The CHEE award I’m crying.”

Another added: “HELP? What is going on,” while a third said: “Denise Welch winning an old boot award. Hilarious.”

A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “Martin and Shirlie Kemp presenting Denise Welch with a award for appearing in all four British Soaps!” with another similarly sharing: “Nice to see Denise Welch get an award haha.”