Nights to remember...

As ITV celebrates 21 years of the Soap Awards, Tina O’Brien – in her 21st year as Corrie’s Sarah – gives us an insider’s guide

- ALISON SLADE

A round this time of year, our favourite soap stars would normally be ditching their characters’ costumes and putting on the glitz for the annual British Soap Awards. But the coronavirus pandemic means the event has, sadly, had to be cancelled.

It’s not all bad news, though, because ITV is taking a trip down memory lane this week with the one-off special The British Soap Awards Celebrate 21 Years. Narrated by Phillip Schofield – who has hosted the bash since 2006 – it’s a chance to revisit some golden moments.

‘The great thing about the Soap Awards is they’re always brilliant with their montages,’ says Phillip, ‘and this special has brought that skill to the fore. It’s funny, compelling and a great historical look at life in the soaps.’

TV Times caught up with Corrie’s Tina O’Brien, 36 – Sarah Barlow, née Platt – to talk posh frocks, trophies and why it’s always good to take a banana…

How important do you think it is that we celebrate the soaps?

Incredibly, because soap is something that people watch as a family, and the topics they cover are things you can discuss together.

Your first Soap Awards was in 2000 when Sarah’s teen pregnancy won Best Storyline. What do you remember of that night?