Emmerdale star Nicola Wheeler let slip an expletive while accepting the Best Soap award at the TRIC Awards in London on June 24, 2026. The actress, who has played Nicola King since 2001, admitted she was 'really drunk' during her speech, which left the audience in hysterics.
Drunk and Unfiltered
Wheeler took the stage on behalf of the ITV soap, which won the top soap prize. She began by thanking the TRIC Awards but quickly lost her train of thought. 'I'm really drunk – I'm really sorry,' she confessed. 'I've been on this show for 26 years and they've never, ever asked me to say a speech – and the reason is because I'm the alcoholic on the show. I'm kidding! But I am the party girl.'
She then joked about Emmerdale's budget, saying, 'When I first joined Emmerdale, it was brilliant. I'd done loads of little bits of drama and I joined Emmerdale and I went, “Oh, it's a tight schedule”, and then I went, “Oh, it's an even f***ing tighter budget”. But that's a joke.'
Introducing Lisa Riley
Wheeler then introduced Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, calling her 'Lisa Riley MBE.' She continued, 'I've had a wonderful, wonderful time. But you know what, we appreciate what you do and we respect what you do and I hope your programmes carry on for a long, long time. Thank you.'
Other Emmerdale Winners
Emmerdale also took home the Best Soap Actor award, with Jeff Hordley winning for his portrayal of Cain Dingle in a recent cancer storyline. Wheeler's character, Nicola King, is set for upcoming drama, including a connection with Kev Townsend over his long-lost son Lewis Barton, and a potential tragic accident involving her husband Jimmy King.
