EastEnders becomes major winner at new soap awards show including 'Best Soap' and 'Moment of the Year'

EastEnders was the major winner at new soap awards hosted by Radio Times, taking home seven gongs. The flagship BBC series picked up a host of prizes at the inaugural RadioTimes.com Soap Awards on Saturday including best soap and best actor for Angela Wynter, who plays Yolande Trueman.

The awards were unveiled at a star-studded ceremony, hosted by former EastEnders actor Brian Conley, at The Midland Hotel in Manchester. Among its other wins on the night, EastEnders secured the most inspiring storyline of the year prize for its portrayal of Suki Panesar, played by Balvinder Sopal, coming out to her family and friends.

Suki’s former controlling husband Nish Panesar, played by Navin Chowdhry, who joined Albert Square after being released from prison following 20 years behind bars, landed best villain for his nefarious behaviour. The storyline which teased that one of the show’s six leading female characters was responsible for a murder at the Queen Vic, dubbed Sixmas, took home best soap moment of the year.

READ MORE: EastEnders icon's exit 'sealed' as fans share same fear after two-word remark

EastEnders secured the most inspiring storyline of the year prize for its portrayal of Suki Panesar coming out (Image: BBC)

It was revealed on Christmas Day that it was Linda Carter who committed the crime after she faced scrutiny alongside Denise Fox, Kathy Cotton, Sharon Watts, Suki and Stacey Slater.

EastEnders’ George Knight, played by Colin Salmon, confronting his father Eddie was voted by a panel of soap experts as the best episode, while the best exit prize went to Keanu Taylor, played by Danny Walters.

It was previously announced that Emmerdale’s longest-serving cast member Chris Chittell, who has played Eric Pollard in the soap since 1986, was awarded the special recognition prize.

Coronation Street picked up best storyline for its telling of Paul Foreman’s motor neurone disease diagnosis, portrayed by actor Peter Ash.

Young star Charlie Wrenshall, who plays Liam Connor in Corrie, took home the best young performer prize, actress Iz Hesketh won the best newcomer gong for her role as Kitty Draper in Hollyoaks and actress Lisa Riley secured the best comedy performance for her role as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale.

The best twist award went to the moment it was revealed on Hollyoaks that the twins of Mercedes McQueen, played by Jennifer Metcalfe, have different fathers.

Morgan Jeffery, digital editor at Radio Times, said: “Congratulations to all the soaps on their award wins – and especially to EastEnders for an amazing night.

“I’m thrilled for all our nominees and of course our winners – these accolades reflect what has been a terrific year for British soap, delivering all the twists, turns and unbeatable drama that have kept UK audiences hooked for over six decades.”

Helen Daly, associate editor at Radio Times, also congratulated the winners, saying: “All soaps have excelled over the past 12 months and it’s an honour to be able to award them for their efforts.”

EastEnders fan? Get your show gossip and news from our Albert Square expert Angie Quinn in our EastEnders newsletter.Sign up HERE.

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Psychic animals predicting Euros 2024 England win - and they haven't been wrong yet

England fans fretting over the Sunday's Euro final with Spain need not fear... because psychic animals have predicted a decisive win for the Three Lions. Across the country, meerkats, seals and even tortoises are reported by their handlers to have shared subliminal signs promising an England victory to human passers by.

In Drusillas Park in East Sussex, a group of 'psychic' meerkats are reported to have so far accurately predicted England's victories in the tournament. The animals make their selection by choosing one of two buckets of nuts – a favourite meerkat snack – each with a flag on the side to represent the opposing teams.

The containers are placed side by side before the meerkats are released, and whichever bucket is surrounded by the most animals is declared the winner, with the England offering being the firm favourite so far.

READ MORE: Euro 2024 final at The O2 - how to get tickets to London's largest screening

A group of “mystic meerkats” has predicted England will beat Spain in the semi-final of Euro 2024 (Image: PA)

Head keeper Gemma Romanis said "you shouldn’t doubt the mystic meerkats’ psychic powers", adding her fellow keepers have "everything crossed” for England. "I think we were all quite surprised with Saturday’s result, when yet again the England squad came through when we really needed them to," Ms Romanis said. "It just goes to show, that you shouldn’t doubt the mystic meerkats psychic powers."

Elsewhere, a trio of 'psychic' seals at SEA LIFE Weymouth have also declared it's coming home on Sunday! The seals have so far correctly predicted England to win all three of their knock-out matches in the tournament, when faced with which flag to swim towards. Once again, they have suggested the Three Lions will find their way to victory against Spain this Sunday.

A trio of 'psychic' seals at SEA LIFE Weymouth have also declared it's coming home on Sunday!

However, it appears England fans are in for more drama, as one seal allegedly predicted an early goal for Southgate’s men, followed by an equaliser for Spain, before another late goal will see England bring home football glory come Sunday night...

Not to be outdone, even tortoises have had their mystic powers tested over Sunday's Euro final. ITV Jersey presenter the tortoise to his bemused co-hosts, showing the reptile heading towards two goals - one with the England flag and one with Spain. To great cheer, Corby chooses England.

We're yet to see whether their final predictions will come true and if it is in fact coming home. Sunday is set to be a big day for London as the sunny weather, Euro 2024 final and Wimbledon final are set to keep much of the capital entertained.

You can keep up to date with the latest from the Euro 2024 final on MyLondon on Sunday - with the latest updates, fan reaction, best dressed fans and what the psychic animals are predicting before the start whistle is blown.

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Wireless Festival to finish early on Sunday for the Euro 2024 final

The Wireless Festival will close early at 7pm on Sunday 'for the Euro final between England and Spain' football match following news that two performers had dropped out with no replacements.

Tyla and Digga D were among the acts lined up for Sunday's performance. Following today's news that they were dropping out, no replacement acts have been announced and organisers have instead confirmed Sunday's gig will finish earlier than expected at 7pm.

A statement from the Wireless Festival on Instagram read: "Rockstar energy presents Wireless will now finish at 7pm on Sunday, July 14th, to give you plenty of time to travel home to watch the Euro final England Vs Spain match. The festival is going ahead as planned on Sunday and Doja Cat will perform a full headline set."

READ MORE: Wireless Festival 2024 timings, line-up, tickets and how to get there

Tyla and Digga D (pictured) were among the acts lined up for Sunday's performance but they have pulled out

Some fans argued that the football game should be shown on a big screen if the festival was ending early. Mrs Charley messaged: "Why not just play it on the big screens there.? That would’ve been a viiiiibe. Just ruuuuuining it." Katie Does Tattoos added: "This is MAD! A festival finishing at 7pm?! The big screen would have been so good, can’t understand it."

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The Wireless Festival takes place in Finsbury Park in north London, close to both Manor House and Finsbury Park tube stations. Festival goers who are using the London Underground can access the location with either the Piccadilly or Victoria lines. The closest station on the Piccadilly line is Manor House Station; and Finsbury Park Station from the Victoria Line.

Day buses 4, 19, 29, 106, 141, 153, 210,236, 253, 254, 259, 279, 341, W3, W7 all service Finsbury Park. Then, the following night buses – N19, N29, N253 and N279 can be used for revellers to return home.

Those outside London can use Wireless's official travel partner Green Coach for return coach fares starting at £48, from destinations including Birmingham, Bristol, Canterbury, Chelmsford, Colchester, Coventry, Dartford, Gillingham, Guildford, Ipswich, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Norwich, Nottingham, Portsmouth (Cosham Interchange), Reading, Southampton and Swindon. See here for details.

You can buy tickets to Wireless Festival from Ticketmaster or directly from Wireless.

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EastEnders icon's exit 'sealed' as fans share same fear after two-word remark

EastEnders' stalwart Phil Mitchell, portrayed by Steve McFadden, might be heading for a tear-jerking departure, according to fans of the show.

Phil, who first graced our screens in 1990, has been at the heart of some of the soap's most memorable plots.

He is best known as the son of Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor), and brother to Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Sam Mitchell (Danniella Westbrook).

READ MORE: BBC EastEnders fans call for character's return amid another icon's comeback

LATEST: EastEnders' Ian Beale's explosive secret 'rumbled' by fans - and it's not Jane

Phil's character is also renowned for his numerous romantic entanglements with various inhabitants of Albert Square, located in the fictitious East London borough of Walford.

Recently, life in Walford has been anything but calm for Phil. Last year, he discovered that he was the secret father of Sharon Watts' (Letitia Dean) child Albie, while his other son Ben (Max Bowden) was incarcerated in the US, reports the Daily Star.

Phil has been pushing his family further away recently (Image: BBC)

The unexpected arrival of distant relative Mitchell Stevie (Alan Ford) earlier this year also unsettled Phil. Convinced that Billy's (Perry Fenwick) dad Stevie was "scum", Phil even planted stolen money on Stevie in an attempt to frame him.

In Wednesday's episode (July 10), Stevie revealed a shocking family secret - that Billy's mum didn't abandon Billy as he had been led to believe, but rather she took her own life after Stevie had an affair with Teddy's mum.

A distraught Billy then discovered that Phil had set up Stevie. Enraged, he confronted Phil, accusing him of trying to sabotage his potential relationships with his newfound family members.

Fans fear an exit or relapse is on the cards (Image: BBC)

Billy Mitchell delivered a stinging line to Phil in EastEnders, saying: "I'm not the runt of the litter anymore," and then pointedly added: "You are" before making a dramatic exit, leaving Phil Mitchell to stew in his solitude.

EastEnders aficionados are now bracing themselves for what could be a gut-wrenching plot twist for Phil. After the recent episode aired, social media was abuzz with speculation.

One concerned viewer speculated on X: "I wonder if Phil's loneliness storyline might lead to him having a relapse at some point."

Another fan expressed their unease, suggesting: "Feel like this leading to an exit storyline where Phil is going to go back on the bottle and drink himself to death with no one round him hope that's not the case because Phil is Eastenders to me but be great for Steve to enjoy retirement."

A third chimed in with their observation: "I think we've been in the midst of a Phil loneliness story for a while without realising. He's felt like the hanger on to Billy's unit since he and Kat split, he's lost Ben, alienated Jay and Cal, Sharon is wary and even Denise feels sorry for him! Next step? A relapse! ".

Yet another viewer predicted a dark turn for Phil's character: "I think we're going to get some kind of depression storyline coming for Phil especially this week. I've seen that he's going to slowly starting to push everyone away and he's going to start isolating himself from everyone."

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SEA Life London Aquarium zone reopens where you can see dwarf crocodiles and piranhas

SEA Life London Aquarium reopened its Rainforest Adventure zone earlier this week, inviting guests to discover creatures like Dwarf Crocodiles, Piranhas, and Terrapins. TV personality Ben Fogle will help with sharing the rainforest's wonders with visitors.

The revamped Rainforest Adventure aims to immerse guests in a vibrant rainforest environment and explore its wonders like never before. Visitors can get up close to fascinating creatures, engage with interactive learning stations, and find out about crucial environmental messages.

READ MORE: New London restaurant where you can eat dinner in front of the TV to open for one day only

Ben Fogler teamed up with the attraction’s team of expert Aquarists to put the finishing touches to the refreshed zone (Image: MyLondon/Stripe Communications)

Broadcaster, writer, and adventurer Ben and the team were seen sprucing up the habitats for a crystal-clear view of the creatures swimming within and feeding the terrapins a tasty salad snack. They also checked the AV experience zone, ensuring everything is ready for an unforgettable visit.

Ben Fogle said: “Rainforests are crucial to our planet's health and I am excited to work with SEA LIFE to help raise awareness about the importance of preserving rainforests. Together, we aim to bring the wonders of the rainforest to life and inspire a deeper appreciation for these vital ecosystems.”

SEA Life London Aquarium, located on the South Bank, is open daily. For up-to-date information on opening times, feeding schedules, prices, and more, visit http://www.visitsealife.com/london/.

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Live: Casualty on Tube tracks amid delays as line part suspended

There is disruption on a London Underground line this evening after a casualty on the track.

Transport for London (TfL) is reporting that there's no service between White City and Liverpool Street while emergency services deal with the incident. There is a good service on the rest of the line.

London Underground tickets will be accepted on London buses. There is a good service on the rest of the Tube network, Overground, the Elizabeth line and DLR.

MyLondon has contacted the British Transport Police and TfL for more information.

Follow the latest traffic and travel updates using our live blog below

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The picture postcard town 73 minutes from London that's a haven for independent shops

Nestled in the South Downs 73 minutes from London lies a picturesque town that's a haven for independent shops. During the summer London can feel particularly humid during the few warm spells we enjoy this time of year.

Rather than putting up with the stuffy London Underground, angry commuters and streets packed with tourists you're sometimes better off escaping the city altogether. Arundel - a wonderful market town in West Sussex - is arguably a better place than any to escape hectic London life.

With a direct train from London taking little over an hour, you can enjoy peaceful countryside scenery in no time after leaving the city behind you. Once you arrive at Arundel station, waste no time in exploring this by heading along the River Arun for a stroll.

READ MORE: London park named city's best where 'wildlife is blooming'

Arundel Castle from above (Image: David Goddard)

About 30 minutes into the riverside walk you'll see The White Rabbit pub come into view, which was recently named the best country pub in Britain by London X London. Here you can sip on a cool pint while overlooking the river, or enjoy a bite to eat. MyLondon's own Jake Holden described the roast dinner as "delicious" with a "healthy portion size" following a visit earlier this year.

After you're walk, head back the way you came and enjoy what the town of Arundel has to offer. You'll find a dozen more pubs in the town, which has the highest density of pubs per capita in all of Sussex.

Arundel is also a haven for independent shops with a range including antique fashion accessory shops and even multiple fudge shops situated along the steep high street. Victoria Cole, from Roly's Fudge Pantry told our sister site SussexLive that working in Arundel feels like going on a day trip.

"When I park my car up it doesn’t feel like I’m going to work," she said. "Arundel is just so picturesque and is a very happy place to be. There’s a local feel about the place and a strong sense of community.

Arundel High Street is packed full of independent shops (Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

"We try to keep up this atmosphere by making all of our fudge on site. Even with a competitor opening nearby this hasn’t affected business at all as there is always a steady flow of tourists."

Along with its high street, it's tough to mention Arundel without considering the impressive castle which looms over the town. Open to visitors during the summer, it belongs the the Duke of Norfolk who organised Elizabeth II's funeral and the King's coronation.

Getting there

You can take a direct train to from London Victoria to Arundel in one hour and 25 minutes. Driving there via the A3 and A283 will take more than two hours.

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