'Emmerdale' team celebrate Broadcast win

The cast and crew of ITV soap Emmerdale have expressed their delight after the show secured a major victory at the Broadcast Awards 2011.

Last night's ceremony saw the Yorkshire-based serial triumph in the 'Best Soap or Continuing Drama' category, beating off competition from Coronation Street, EastEnders, Holby City, The Bill and Waterloo Road.

Mark Charnock (Marlon Dingle), Dominic Brunt (Paddy Kirk) and John Middleton (Ashley Thomas) were among the cast members present as the result was announced at the event, which was held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.

The Broadcast Awards are not determined by a public vote but instead use a panel of judges to reward excellence in television each year.

Writing on Twitter last night, Charnock commented: "Emmerdale!!!! This show that I love so much only went and WON!!!!"

Danny Miller - who plays Aaron Livesy on the drama - told his own online followers: "Yes get in! Emmerdale won best soap at Broadcast Awards!!"

The show's victory followed a year of acclaimed storylines, including the long-running tale of Mark Wylde's murder, Aaron's sexuality struggle and a tragic train accident which left Jackson Walsh paralysed.

Emmerdale's successful year came as part of a revamp period steered by the programme's late series producer Gavin Blyth and executive producer Steve November.

An Emmerdale spokesperson told DS this afternoon: "We are delighted to receive this recognition from the Broadcast Awards. Winning 'Best Soap/Continuing Drama' is testament to the work done by Gavin Blyth, Steve November and all the cast and production team at Emmerdale. 2010 was a great year for the show and we're working hard to achieve an equally successful 2011."