The 2025 Soap Opera Awards Shockers: Full Winners List, Biggest Snubs, And The Show That Dominated Everything

The 2025 Soap Opera Awards season has officially concluded as of this current date, December 15, 2025, delivering a series of stunning victories and major upsets across both sides of the Atlantic. The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards and the British Soap Awards 2025 have solidified the dominance of two long-running dramas, setting a high bar for excellence in daytime and primetime serial television. Fans are still reeling from the unexpected outcomes in the lead acting categories and the complete sweep by one beloved American soap.

This year’s awards cycle was marked by a significant shift in the Daytime Emmys, which moved its ceremony to October 17, 2025, in Los Angeles, allowing for a fresh evaluation of the eligibility period. The British Soap Awards, meanwhile, made a triumphant return on May 31, 2025, after a brief hiatus, proving that the passion for UK serial dramas like *Coronation Street*, *Emmerdale*, and *EastEnders* remains as strong as ever. Below is the definitive breakdown of the major winners, the storylines that captivated voters, and the key takeaways from the 2025 awards season.

The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards 2025: *General Hospital* Dominates

The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, held in Los Angeles on October 17, 2025, saw the ABC powerhouse *General Hospital* (GH) emerge as the undisputed champion of the night. The long-running serial drama secured a commanding seven wins, including the most coveted prize: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series.

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This victory underscored a year of powerful, character-driven storytelling for the Port Charles residents, which resonated deeply with voters. The show’s success was not limited to the top category, as it also swept multiple acting and technical awards, demonstrating a strong performance across the board in writing, directing, and costume design.

Key Daytime Drama Acting Winners

The individual acting categories provided some of the night's most talked-about moments, with wins shared among the four remaining US soaps: *General Hospital*, *Days of Our Lives*, *The Young and the Restless*, and *The Bold and the Beautiful*.

• Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
  The award went to Paul Telfer for his complex portrayal of Xander Kiriakis on *Days of Our Lives*. Telfer’s win was a major victory for the Peacock-streamed drama, recognizing a year of intense emotional turmoil and redemption for the character.
• Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
  The legendary Nancy Lee Grahn secured the prize for her role as the formidable Alexis Davis on *General Hospital*. Grahn's performance, which focused on a compelling storyline involving addiction and personal reckoning, was widely praised by critics and fans alike.
• Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
  Jonathan Jackson, reprising his iconic role as Lucky Spencer on *General Hospital*, took home the statuette. His return to Port Charles provided some of the most dramatic moments of the eligibility period.
• Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
  This award also went to a performer from *General Hospital*, further cementing its dominance in the acting fields.

The competition was fierce, with heavyweights like Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) and Sharon Case (Sharon Collins) from *The Young and the Restless* also delivering Emmy-worthy performances that were highly lauded. The success of *General Hospital* and *Days of Our Lives* in the major acting categories highlights the continued high quality of performances across the genre, rewarding both veteran actors and returning fan favorites.

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The British Soap Awards 2025: *EastEnders* Takes the Top Crown

Across the pond, the British Soap Awards 2025 made headlines with its glamorous return at the Hackney Empire on May 31, 2025. The night belonged unequivocally to the BBC's flagship serial, *EastEnders*, which was crowned the Best British Soap.

The Walford-based drama secured a total of eight wins, a huge haul that demonstrated its creative resurgence and powerful storylines over the past year. The show’s narrative momentum, including a highly anticipated 40th-anniversary celebration earlier in the year, clearly propelled it to the top of the fan and critic votes.

Major British Soap Awards Victories

The success of *EastEnders* was built on the back of several powerhouse performances and memorable plot points that captivated the UK viewing audience. The show faced stiff competition from ITV's *Coronation Street* and *Emmerdale*, but ultimately prevailed in the most crucial categories.

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• Best British Soap: EastEnders
• Best Leading Performer: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, *EastEnders*)
  Turner’s win was a particular highlight, recognizing her nuanced portrayal of Stacey Slater through a series of high-stakes and emotionally draining plot lines.
• Best Comedy Performance: Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson, *EastEnders*)
  The return of the iconic Bianca Jackson brought a much-needed injection of humor and drama to Albert Square, earning Palmer the comedy award.

While *EastEnders* dominated the main event, the wider British soap landscape was also recognized. The *Inside Soap Awards 2025*, another key industry event, saw *Coronation Street* also pick up top prizes, including a Best Actress win for Vicky Myers (Lisa Swain). This shows that all the major UK soaps—including *Hollyoaks* and *Doctors*—continue to deliver high-quality, engaging content, even as they tackle sensitive and complex issues like cancer plots and major character exits.

The Storylines That Won: Topical Authority in 2025

The victories at both the Daytime Emmys and the British Soap Awards were a direct result of the bold, topical, and emotionally resonant storylines that aired throughout the eligibility period. The 2025 season proved that soap operas remain a vital platform for exploring complex social issues and deep human drama.

In the US, *General Hospital*'s win was heavily influenced by its commitment to long-term character arcs, such as the ongoing struggles of Alexis Davis and the dramatic return of legacy character Lucky Spencer. The show’s writers deftly balanced traditional soap opera tropes—like dramatic hospital crises and high-stakes courtroom battles—with intimate, personal stories of family and redemption. This combination proved to be a winning formula for the 52nd Daytime Emmys.

For the British soaps, the focus was on explosive drama and high-impact stunts. *EastEnders*’ success was tied to its ability to build towards its 40th anniversary, with major plot developments peaking in February. Similarly, *Coronation Street* was recognized for its willingness to tackle difficult subjects, including a major cancer plot and a dramatic stabbing, which generated significant public discussion and critical acclaim.

The 2025 awards season confirms that the soap opera genre is not just surviving but thriving. By continuing to showcase powerful performances from actors like Paul Telfer and Lacey Turner, and by committing to bold, relevant, and emotional storytelling, serial dramas continue to earn their place as a cornerstone of television entertainment.