Danielle Harold photos from Inside Soap Awards

Inside Soap Awards 2011: EastEnders is the big winner Red Carpet photos

Inside Soap Awards 2011: EastEnders is the big winner with the Square's young ladies leading the red carpet glamour as the soap scoops five awards

 

By Georgina Littlejohn

Last updated at 2:16 AM on 27th September 2011


With a lot of young talent in both soaps it's always going to be a glamour battle between the lasses of Coronation Street and the EastEnders girls when a red carpet beckons.

But last night, as their soap scooped five awards, it was the Londoners that caused the flashbulb frenzy as the Square's young actresses arrived for this year's Inside Soap Awards in London.

Heading the Walford gang were actresses Jacqueline Jossa, Shona McGarty and Danielle Harold looked every inch the TV starlets as they posed on the red carpet at Gilgamesh in Camden.

From the gloom of the Square to the glamour of the red carpet: EastEnders stars Jacqueline Jossa, Shona McGarty and Danielle Harold looked every inch the TV starlets as they posed with one of the soap's five awards at the Inside Soap Awards

Jacqueline, 18, who plays Lauren Branning, looked stunning in a short black dress and towering red heels while Danielle, also 18, who plays tearaway Lola Pearce, ditched her tracksuit for a very sexy black asymmetrical cutaway dress and Mary Jane style heels.

But it was Shona, 19, who looked the most transformed from her character, troubled Whitney Dean and looked very pretty in a chiffon cream dress and cream and yellow heels, her long black hair tumbling around her shoulders in loose waves.

Back to black: Jacqueline Jossa and Danielle Harold opted for little black dress and towering heels

Bianca wouldn't recognise you! Shona McGarty, who plays troubled teen Whitney, looked all grown-up in her pretty chiffon dress

They posed separately but came together to have a picture taken with one of the soap's five awards that it scooped on the night.

Battling them for the flashbulbs were the girls from their soap rival Coronation Street with Brooke Vincent and Sacha Parkinson leading the cuties from the cobbles.

Sultry Sophie: Corrie's Brooke Vincent looked very glamorous in her tight black dress, dark eyes and big hair

Ravishing in red: Sacha Parkinson looked very elegant in her striking halterneck jumpsuit

Brooke, 19, who plays Sophie Webster, looked vampy little black dress that showed off her curves.

She looked a far cry from the troubled teen she plays on the soap with her big hair and sexy make-up, while Sacha, also 19, and who plays her on-screen lesbian lover Sian Powers, decided against a dress and instead wore a striking red halterneck jumpsuit which made her look very grown-up.

Third time's the charm: Michelle Keegan, who looked stunning in her black dress, won the Sexiest Female for the third year running

But it was Michelle Keegan who stole the show in more ways than one, her outfit proving why she was crowed Sexiest Female for the third year running.

The actress, 24, who is engaged to the Wanted's Max George, looking stunning in her black ruched dress as she posed with her award.

Cheshire's finest: Former Hollyoaks actress Carley Stenson, who is currently starring as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical, looked gorgeous in a purple lace dress while former co-star Bronagh Waugh kept it simple in black

Fancy Nancy: Jessica Fox, who plays Hollyoaks reporter Nancy Hayton, went for a black lacy number that showed off her curves

2011 INSIDE SOAP WINNERS

- Best Soap: EastEnders

- Best Drama: Waterloo Road

- Outstanding Achievement: Coronation Street tram crash and live episode

- Best Actor: Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy, Emmerdale)

- Best Actress: Jessie Wallace (Kat Moon, EastEnders)

- Best Young Actor: Maisie Smith (Tiffany Butcher, EastEnders)

- Best Newcomer: Emmett J Scanlan (Brendan Brady, Hollyoaks)

- Funniest Performance: Tameka Empson (Kim Fox, EastEnders)

- Sexiest Male: Danny Mac (Dodger Savage, Hollyoaks)

- Sexiest Female: Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre, Coronation Street)

- Best Exit: Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth, Coronation Street)

- Best Wedding: Tamwar Masood & Afia Khan (EastEnders)

- Best Dramatic Performance: Danny Miller (Jackson’s choice, Emmerdale)

- Best Daytime Soap: Home and Away

- Best Daytime Star: Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi, Neighbours)

And she told BANG Showbiz: 'I genuinely didn't think I would win again. I think the people who vote clearly don't see me in my slobs on a daily basis. I think it's Tina they like anyway, not me. Max better have voted for me otherwise I'll kill him!'

Corrie also landed two other awards, one for Bill Tarmey’s emotional farewell from the soap after 30 years playing Jack Duckworth.

That was named Best Exit while Corrie also won the Outstanding Achievement Award for the dramatic tram crash and live episode for the show's 50th anniversary week.

Chris Fountain, who joined the soap in March as Tommy Duckworth, said it was a worthy award for the soap, and added: 'I think it's about time to be honest. That storyline was phenomenal and it hasn't been recognised at any other awards ceremonies. I'm just proud to be part of it.'

But the night went to their London rivals EastEnders, who reigned supreme with their five gongs, including the coveted Best Soap.

It was a good night for Jessie Wallace, whose off-screen troubles seemed even further away for the actress.

Jessie, who this weekend celebrated her 40th birthday with a very jolly and fun day out on the river, was crowned Best Actress for her portrayal of pub landlady Kat Moon.

Other EastEnders winners included young Maisie Smith who plays the funny and cute Tiffany Butcher, Tameka Empson won Funniest Performance for her hilarious portrayal of Kim Fox while the Masood and Khan nuptials were declared the Best Wedding.

Other winners included Hollyoaks star Danny Mac, who won Sexiest Male for his role as Dodger Savage, and Emmerdale’s Danny Miller, who landed two awards for the second year running.

He scooped Best Actor for his role as Aaron Livesy and Best Dramatic Performance for the assisted suicide scenes involving Aaron’s boyfriend, Jackson Walsh, while the Best Newcomer Award this year was given to Hollyoaks’ Emmett J Scanlan for his role as Brendan Brady.

Night off: Waterloo Road star Chelsee Healey put her Strictly Come Dancing training on hold for the night as she attended the awards in a sparkly blue dress

Winners: Chelsee Healey joined her Waterloo Road co-stars Lucien Laviscount and Rebecca Ryan as they posed with the show's Best Drama award

Home and Away was named Best Daytime Soap and Neighbours star Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi) was awarded Best Daytime Star for the second year running.

Best Drama went to Waterloo Road, also for the second year in succession.

Boys' night out: Emmerdale star Danny Miller, who won Best Actor and Best Dramatic Performance, and Hollyoaks's Danny Mac, who won Sexiest Male, pose with their awards

Well done you! Emmett J Scanlan is kissed by Hollyoaks co-star Bronagh Waugh as he posed with his Best Newcomer award

Make us laugh: EastEnders star Tameka Empson won Funniest Performance for her role as Kim Fox

Inside Soap magazine’s editor, Steven Murphy, said: 'Huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners, who thoroughly deserve their Awards.

'It’s been a fantastic year for British soaps, and I look forward to another exciting and dramatic 12 months ahead.'

Glamour girl: Nicola McLean was one of the non-soap guests and looked gorgeous in a sexy white gown

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2042120/Inside-Soap-Awards-2011-EastEnders-big-winner-Squares-young-ladies-leading-red-carpet-glamour-soap-scoops-awards.html#ixzz1Z71amNYk

She scrubs up well! EastEnder Shona McGarty ditches Whitney's tracksuit for glam photoshoot

By Emily Sheridan

Last updated at 1:01 PM on 13th September 2011



As troubled Walford teen Whitney Dean in EastEnders, Shona McGarty is rarely seen out of her tracksuit.

But as she fast approaches her 20th birthday next month, the actress is clearly ready for a sartorial change.

The raven-haired star, 19, was given a grown-up makeover a world away from her soap persona for a new magazine shoot.

All grown-up: EastEnders actress Shona McGarty goes high-fashion for a glossy photoshoot with Heat magazine

Instead of the jeans and trainers, McGarty looked sophisticated in a black skirt and bejewelled, fringed T-shirt and towering heeled ankle boots as she posed for Heat magazine.

Speaking about her new look, she said: '“I love it! I feel like a warrior! It’s quite empowering. I hope the boys find it scary.'

McGarty has grown-up somewhat on screen playing troubled Whitney since joining the cast of EastEnders over three years ago.

'I feel like a warrior': McGarty admitted she found her new look quite empowering

The full photo shoot appears in this week¿s heat magazine on sale now

Aged just 16 when she started on EastEnders, she admitted she didn't have much of a clue how to dress, but her co-star and on-screen stepmother Patsy Palmer gave her fashion advice.

She explained: 'My style has really changed since I started on EastEnders. I’d never go out now in the tight, short, busty things I used to wear.

'When you’re younger, you think you need to show off all this flesh, but you don’t.

'I’ve learnt from people like Patsy. She used to show all her bits off when she was my age, but she’s grown up, too.'

McGarty admits she's grown to love her curvy bottom over the years.

She said: 'I love my bum! I’ve got quite a big bottom. I think it’s good for girls to have a bit of meat there!'

The full photo shoot appears in this week’s heat magazine on sale now.

Walford style: McGarty as Whitney Dean in EastEnders with evil boyfriend/pimp Rob (Jody Latham)

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2036717/EastEnder-Shona-McGarty-ditches-Whitneys-tracksuit-glam-photoshoot.html#ixzz1XsJqgx90

Sultry EastEnders star Shona McGarty's worlds away from frumpy Walford alter-ego

You can't wear THAT down the market! Sultry EastEnders star Shona McGarty's worlds away from frumpy Walford alter-ego

By Holly Thomas

Last updated at 10:06 AM on 26th August 2011


Shona McGarty is normally seen in more casual attire as her on-screen alter-ego Whitney Dean.

However the EastEnders actress, 19, stepped it up a notch as she arrived at ITV studios earlier today looking sophisticated in a fitted nude dress.

The teenage star completed her outfit with high platform white heels and a pleated tan leather belt.

Looking smart: Eastenders star Shona McGarty's sophisticated look was a far cry from that of her Watford alter-ego

And it was a rare chance for the actress to show off her toned legs in the short skirt, she's more usually seen in scruffy clothes for her role as Whitney.

The look, with the more modest ruffled top keeping her outfit classy, was completed with a fresh-faced approach to her make-up. Subtle smoked out eyes replaced her usual harsh eyeliner.


It's unclear what her new look was for and why she was at the ITV studios but there was no doubt that Shona was able to enjoy a more mature wardrobe than she does on her home turf at the BBC.

There hasn't been much call for dressing up for Shona's character Whitney in Albert Square recently.

All smiles: Shona looked confident and relaxed in the uncharacteristically sophisticated outfit

In a controversial plot line this year, Shona plays the lovestruck teen who has been victimised by her pimp ex-boyfriend Rob, played by former Shameless star Jody Latham.

Having been forced into prostitution by Rob, Whitney escapes his clutches for a while, but can't escape the feeling that she hasn't seen the last of him.
The experience of playing Whitney for such a difficult storyline has affected Shona.
And speaking to Soaplife magazine, she explained: 'When I researched the whole area of sex exploitation I found out that these are organised crimes and victims often end up staying with the perpetrators because they fear for the safety of family members.'

Sexy: The fitted shape and belt at the waist showed off Shona's curves

The prostitution story line builds to a dramatic climax in Southend, also involving Whitney's half brother Ryan Malloy, played by Neil McDermott, who is leaving the show.

Playing the end of the dramatic plotline was yet another emotional experience for Shona, who revealed to Digital Spy: 'In Ryan's last scene, Whitney is absolutely devastated and she cannot stop crying. But I felt the same way and when they called 'cut', I couldn't stop crying! I was in hysterics - I was so upset.'

Thankfully it looks as though today made a welcome change of pace for the 19 year old actress.

Usual look: Shona as she looks playing EastEnder Whitney Dean in the controversial prostitution storyline, with her pimp ex Rob, played by Jody Latham

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2030063/EastEnders-star-Shona-McGarty-worlds-away-Walford-alter-ego.html#ixzz1WBRwCNak

Whitney Dean played by Shona McGarty Eastenders Profile Page

Whitney Dean
played by Shona McGarty
Whitney has almost as much to say for herself as her stepmum, Bianca.
First appearance: 01.04.2008
Marital Status: Single
Address: 31 Albert Square
Occupation:Stallholder
Most likely to say

I'm not a kid.

Character profile

 

Whitney is as gobby and opinionated as her stepmum, Bianca. She's older than her eighteen years. With the life she's had, you have to be.
Whitney is the daughter of Bianca's ex, Nathan Dean. When Nathan died, Bianca took Whitney under her wing. Her biological mum has played very little part in her life.
In her early teens, Whitney embarked on a relationship with Bianca's then boyfriend Tony King. It was only when she confessed all to Bianca that she realised she had been abused and manipulated by him.
After discovering that her step-grandma Carol was having an affair with her then boyfriend Connor, Whitney's life spiralled out of control. Despite appearances, Whitney is vulnerable and easily manipulated. Without Bianca as her safety-net, there's a danger Whitney could fall in with the wrong crowd.