Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders Stars Battle for NTA Soap Award

Soap fans have five familiar faces to support at the National Television Awards 2026, with stars from Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders all shortlisted for Serial Drama Performance.

The category brings together two Coronation Street stars, two EastEnders favourites and one Emmerdale name, giving fans across the soaps plenty to watch out for when the winners are revealed.

Gareth Pierce

Gareth Pierce is shortlisted for his portrayal of Todd Grimshaw in Coronation Street. Todd’s relationship with Theo Silverton has given the character some of his darkest material in years, with the storyline showing him increasingly isolated and under pressure as the relationship became controlling and abusive.

Sue Devaney

Sue Devaney is nominated for her role as Debbie Webster in Coronation Street. Debbie’s dementia storyline has become one of Corrie’s most emotional ongoing stories, while Sue has kept the character’s warmth, humour and sharp personality intact as her circumstances have become increasingly difficult.

Jeff Hordley

Jeff Hordley represents Emmerdale for his portrayal of Cain Dingle. Cain’s prostate cancer diagnosis has opened up a very different side of the character, with the storyline focusing on fear, uncertainty and vulnerability rather than the confrontational side viewers usually associate with him.

Aaron Thiara

Aaron Thiara is shortlisted for his portrayal of Ravi Gulati in EastEnders. Ravi has been at the centre of some of the soap’s most intense recent drama, with his mental health struggles, violent behaviour and breakdown of his relationship with Priya all placing huge pressure on the Gulati family.

Paul Bradley

Paul Bradley is nominated for his portrayal of Nigel Bates in EastEnders. Nigel’s young onset dementia storyline became one of the soap’s most moving recent stories and ultimately led to the character’s death, bringing an emotional end to his return and leaving a major impact on those closest to him.

Full Serial Drama Performance shortlist

• Aaron Thiara, Ravi Gulati in EastEnders
• Gareth Pierce, Todd Grimshaw in Coronation Street
• Jeff Hordley, Cain Dingle in Emmerdale
• Paul Bradley, Nigel Bates in EastEnders
• Sue Devaney, Debbie Webster in Coronation Street

The soaps themselves are also competing in the Serial Drama category, with Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Casualty all shortlisted.

Voting remains open until 12pm on Tuesday 8 September, giving fans one last opportunity to support their favourite stars before the awards begin later that evening.

The National Television Awards will be broadcast live from London’s O2 Arena from 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with Joel Dommett hosting.

For all the latest TV and soap news, spoilers, interviews and entertainment updates, keep checking SoapLandTV.co.uk.