Jessie Wallace stood out from the crowd at The British Soap Awards 2023 on Saturday night in a black dress.
The Eastenders actress, 51, opted for a simple cut lace gown, which gathered in ruffles and fell away from her shoulders with a plunging neckline.
Jessie added a leather corset belt with white button detailing, which synched in at the waist, as she stepped out at The Lowry in Manchester.
She added height to her frame with black open toe heels, which gave a glimpse of a perfectly polished red pedicure.
The soap star, who is known for playing Cat Slater in the long-standing show, accessorised with layered silver bracelets and rings.
Showstopper: Jessie Wallace, 51, attended The British Soap Awards in a black lace frock, which gathered in ruffles at the top and fell away from her shoulders
Beautiful: The Eastenders actress wore her raven hair tucked behind her ears which showed off some diamonte earrings
Glam: She wore a heavy palette of makeup with a smokey eye and red lip which accentuated her naturally good looks
She opted for a heavy make-up palette of dark smokey eye and red lip and wore her dark tresses in a blunt bob.
Shane Ritchie – who plays her on-screen ex-husband Alfie Moon – joined Jessie on the red carpet.
He looked dapper in a camel-coloured suit, which he teamed with a a black T-shirt and smart lace up shoes.
Lillia Turner – who plays Lily Slater – also posed for photographers alongside Jessie. She wore a floor length gown for the occasion.
This year’s British Soap Awards is hosted by Jane McDonald, who was drafted in as a last minute replacement for long-time host Phillip Schofield.
Operatic singer and cruise ship favourite Jane, 60, was revealed as Phillip’s replacement on Thursday after he quit ITV and was dropped by his talent agency YMU after admitting to an affair with a young male This Morning colleague.
He confessed to having the ‘unwise but not illegal’ relationship with a man during his marriage to Stephanie Lowe, and previously denied the affair when asked about it by his agent.
The presenter, 61, confirmed in a statement last week that he has stepped down from all his ITV jobs, including the ceremony.
And amid news Jane was taking the helm, fans hailed the star as the ‘perfect choice’ to front the ceremony, which takes place at The Lowry in Salford, Greater Manchester.
Double trouble: Shane Ritchie (pictured right) plays on screen ex-husband Alfie Moon and also joined Jessie on the red carpet
Standing out: Jessie paired her oufit with someblack strapped heels which showcased her perfectly painted toes and glowing tan
Duo: Lillia Turner – who plays Lily Slater – also posed for photographers alongside Jessie
Host with the most: This year’s British Soap Awards is hosted by Jane McDonald, who was drafted in as a last minute replacement for long-time host Phillip Schofield
Ahead of hosting the awards, Jane said: ‘Oh my god…..everyone knows how much I LOVE my soaps, this year I’ve been honoured to be mentioned in Corrie, EastEnders and Emmerdale, so this is just a dream come true.
‘I can’t wait to see all our wonderful soap nominees and celebrate all their hard work with them – roll on the awards, I can’t wait!’
Meanwhile, the five biggest soaps – Coronation Street, Doctors, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks – will be battling it out to win recognition for their work over the past year.
The great and good of the soap world will be hitting the red carpet for the most star-studded and glamorous event in the soap calendar, which airs on TV on Tuesday.
Stepped down: Jane, 60, was revealed as Phillip’s replacement after he quit ITV and was dropped by his talent agency YMU after admitting to an affair with a young male This Morning colleague
And after a sensational year of exhilarating drama, shocking scandals and action-packed stunts, it will be a closely fought contest as to who will walk away with a coveted gong.
Among the nominees this year are Charlotte Jordan (Coronation Street), Chris Walker (Doctors), Danielle Harold (EastEnders), Jeff Hordley (Emmerdale) and Nikki Sanderson (Hollyoaks) for Best Dramatic Performance.
While the likes of Todd Boyce (Coronation Street), Laura White (Doctors), Aaron Thiara (EastEnders), Michael Wildman (Emmerdale) and Angus Castle-Doughty (Hollyoaks) will fight it out for Villain of the Year.
Meanwhile, it’s been a stellar year for storylines in the soaps, with plots to tug at the heartstrings, get people talking and leave viewers yelling at their screens with both frustration and excitement.
Among the plots for Best Storyline are Loving And Losing Lola for EastEnders, Paddy’s Suicide Attempt for Emmerdale and Incel Eric Targets Mason And Maxine for Hollyoaks.
While Scene Of The Year contenders include Acid Attack for Coronation Street, Hell Is Empty for Doctors and Whitney and Zack Say Goodbye To Peach for EastEnders.
They did it! All the top five soaps will most certainly be vying for the big prize – Best British Soap – which was last year won by Emmerdale (pictured in 2022)
Best Single Episode is also up for grabs with the likes of EastEnders’ Goodbye Dot, Emmerdale’s All Male Man Club and Hollyoaks’ The Long Walk Home in contention.
Stars from the soaps will also face each other for prizes including Best Young Performer, Best Family, Best Comedy Performance, Best On-Screen Partnership and Best Newcomer.
While all the top five soaps will most certainly be vying for the big prize – Best British Soap – which was last year won by Emmerdale.
The winners of the Outstanding Achievement Prize and the Tony Warren Award will be announced on the night.
The British Soap Awards airs on television on Tuesday 6 June at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
