The glittering TV Choice Awards ceremony, held on Monday evening at the prestigious London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, saw a host of British television stars gather to celebrate the year's finest programmes. Comedian Jason Manford presided over the star-studded event, where winners across eighteen distinct categories were unveiled to an audience of industry elites and devoted fans.
Emmerdale's Unprecedented Soap Triumph
In a remarkable display of dominance, the long-running Yorkshire Dales-based soap opera Emmerdale emerged as the undisputed champion of the evening. The programme secured a clean sweep in all three soap-related categories, a feat that underscores its enduring popularity and critical acclaim. This comprehensive victory saw the show outshine its main rivals, including Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Hollyoaks.
Individual Accolades for Emmerdale Cast
The soap's success was further highlighted by individual wins for its talented cast members. Bradley Riches, who portrays the character Lewis Barton, was honoured with the Best Newcomer award, recognising his impactful arrival on the show. Meanwhile, veteran actor Danny Miller received the Best Soap Performance accolade for his compelling portrayal of the beloved character Aaron Dingle, a role that has captivated audiences for years.
The Traitors Secures Reality Crown
Another major winner on the night was the gripping reality competition series The Traitors, which claimed the coveted Best Reality Show award. This victory is particularly significant as it came at the expense of the long-established juggernaut I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!. The win follows the programme's impressive viewing figures for its fourth series, demonstrating its powerful grip on the public imagination and its evolution into a cultural phenomenon.
Notable Snubs and Surprise Omissions
In one of the evening's most talked-about developments, the critically acclaimed Netflix drama Adolescence was surprisingly overlooked, despite its recent success at international awards ceremonies. The series, which won numerous accolades at last month's Golden Globes in the United States, saw its breakout star Owen Cooper and his esteemed co-star Stephen Graham both nominated for Best Drama Performance. However, they ultimately lost out to the revered Jenny Agutter from the perennial favourite Call The Midwife.
Further surprises included This Morning losing the Best Daytime Show category to Escape To The Country, despite the former's triumph at last year's National Television Awards. In the culinary sphere, James Martin’s Saturday Morning was named Best Food Show, solidifying its position as a weekend television staple.
Star-Studded Red Carpet and Future Uncertainties
The awards ceremony was preceded by a glamorous red carpet event, where television personalities showcased their style. Strictly Come Dancing professional Jowita Przystal made headlines not only for her striking black ensemble featuring bold cutouts but also for revealing that her future on the BBC ballroom series remains uncertain. The dancer, who plans an extensive year of travel in 2026, admitted she does not yet know if she will return to the show.
She was joined by fellow Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova, who exuded elegance in a vibrant red gown, and Helen Skelton of Morning Live, who dazzled in a pale pink halterneck dress. Sian Welby, representing This Morning, also turned heads on the carpet, showcasing the programme's enduring star power despite its award category loss.
A Full List of Key Nominations
The 2026 TV Choice Awards featured a wide array of nominations across genres, highlighting the breadth of quality in British television. Key categories included:
- Best Comedy Performance: Ruth Jones, Brendan O’Carroll, Lee Mack, Danny Dyer, Greg Davies.
- Best Drama Series: All Creatures Great And Small, Blue Lights, Death In Paradise, Heartstopper, Silent Witness.
- Best Entertainment Show: Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad, Gogglebox, Michael McIntyre's Big Show, The Graham Norton Show, Would I Lie To You?
- Best New Drama: Adolescence, Code Of Silence, I Fought The Law, Return To Paradise, The Hardacres.
- Best Talent Show: Britain’s Got Talent, Strictly Come Dancing, The Great British Bake Off, The Great British Sewing Bee, The Masked Singer.
The evening ultimately served as a vibrant celebration of the UK's television industry, with Emmerdale and The Traitors standing out as the night's biggest victors, while the snub for Adolescence provided a compelling talking point for critics and viewers alike.
