“One Surprise Announcement Changes Everything…” — Emmerdale Stars Get A Massive Lift Just Days After The Soap Awards Are Axed
Emmerdale stars have plenty to celebrate after the ITV soap scooped a major victory at the TRIC Awards, just days after news broke that the British Soap Awards had been axed by ITV.
The long-running Yorkshire-based serial drama enjoyed a triumphant evening at the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Awards on Tuesday, beating fellow nominees EastEnders, Coronation Street and Casualty to take home the coveted Soap of the Year prize.
There was even more reason for celebration for the cast as Jeff Hordley, who has portrayed fan-favourite Cain Dingle since 2000, was crowned Soap Actor of the Year.
The double win comes at a significant moment following ITV’s decision to shelve the British Soap Awards, which for decades have been regarded as the biggest annual celebration of Soaps.
While the future of the ceremony remains uncertain, Emmerdale’s success at the TRIC Awards has confirmed the soap’s popularity with viewers.
Among those leading the celebrations was actress Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle in the ITV soap.
Sharing her delight on Instagram, she wrote: ‘YES WE ALL DID IT!!!! Massive massive congratulations to our Jeff @jeffhordley you deserve this so so much….all our team back in Yorkshire!! Well done @emmerdale.’
The post was quickly flooded with congratulatory messages from fans, many of who were thrilled for both Jeff and the soap itself.
One viewer commented: ‘So thrilled for you all and Jeff considering the talent in his category, so deserved! And finally recognition for Emmerdale.’
Another added: ‘Yes!!! Go Emmerdale, my fav soap. Cain Dingle best actor so well deserved.’
TRIC Award Winners 2026
Some of the winners include:
- Soap of the Year – Emmerdale
- Soap Actor – Jeff Hordley for his role as Cain Dingle in Emmerdale
- Drama – Adolescence
- Entertainment Show – Clarkson’s Farm
- Game Show – Celebrity Traitors
- Daytime Show – A Place in the Sun
- Food Programme – Come Dine with Me
- Podcast – Staying Relevant
- TRIC Special Award – Trevor Nelson
The victories are likely to be especially meaningful for the Emmerdale cast and crew, who have faced fierce competition in recent years from fellow soap heavyweights EastEnders and Coronation Street.
Jeff’s portrayal of Cain Dingle has long been regarded as one of soap’s most iconic performances. Over more than two decades, viewers have watched him evolve from village bad boy to one of the show’s most complex characters, earning a devoted fanbase along the way.
Emmerdale has continued to keep viewers hooked with a mix of big drama, emotional storylines and shocking twists, helping it remain one of the UK’s most popular soaps.
The TRIC Awards are voted for by the public, making the wins even more special as they come directly from the people who tune in and support the show.
With the future of the British Soap Awards currently uncertain, the recognition is a huge boost for the cast and crew
And judging by the reaction on social media, many fans feel both Emmerdale and Jeff Hordley thoroughly deserved their moment in the spotlight.
