Coronation Street finally beats Emmerdale to win Best Serial Drama after four year loss

Coronation Street beat EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks to win Best Serial Drama at the National Television Awards on Thursday evening.

The ITV soap had lost out on the award to Emmerdale for the last four years, but it seems this year Corrie was back on form.

As a group of the cast headed up onto the stage, Sally Carman looked incredible in a red gown as she took the reins and gave a speech.

Sally, who plays the role of Abi Franklin in the ITV soap, thanks fans and viewers at home for voting for Corrie.

Actress Mollie Gallagher also scooped the award for Best Serial Performance for her role as Nina Lucas, who was embroiled in a horrific storyline this year which saw her onscreen boyfriend murdered.

Actress Mollie Gallagher scooped the award for Best Serial Performance for her role as Nina Lucas (ITV)

The murder trial is currently playing out on the ITV show and has seen Mollie's character Nina take to the stand to give evidence about the night Seb Franklin was viciously attacked.

Speaking on the stage, Mollie said: "I absolutely can’t believe this. Honestly, I’m absolutely speechless."

She added: "A massive thank you to Corrie, Iain MacLeod, casting, you’ve made all of my dreams come true.

Sally Carman looked incredible in a red gown as she took the reins and gave a speech on behalf of Coronation Street (ITV)

"And obviously the storyline has been an amazing storyline to tell, lots of awareness has been made."

"We worked closely with the Sophie Lancaster charity, and Sylvia is the most inspiring woman. She's brilliant."

She ended her speech by adding: "I just want to dedicate this award to anybody who feels like they don't fit the mould or they feel like they don't belong. You're amazing."

Mollie later said in the winner's room: "I’m just completely gobsmacked. I’m so grateful, it’s been an amazing experience.

"Obviously Sally [Carmen] was nominated but she deserved it 100 per cent and we will share it."

Elsewhere at the annual awards ceremony, which was held at London's O2 Arena, Line of Duty won two gongs for Returning Drama and Special Recognition.

The murder trial is currently playing out on the ITV show and has seen Mollie's character Nina take to the stand to give evidence (ITV)

Former Doctor Who star David Tennant scooped the award for Drama Performance, and Kate Garraway won the Best Authored Documentary gong for Finding Derek.

A full winners list for the 2021 National Television Awards can be found here.