EastEnders scores award hat-trick

Several cast members past and present attend the ceremony

EastEnders has picked up three prizes at the TV Quick and TV Choice awards, including best soap.

The BBC show won best soap storyline, for the episodes where character Danielle Jones revealed she was Ronnie Mitchell's long-lost daughter.

Lauren Crace, who played Danielle, also took home the acting award for best soap newcomer.

Coronation Street stars Simon Gregson and Katherine Kelly were awarded the best soap actor and actress prizes.

The EastEnders storyline upset some Albert Square fans in April, when Danielle was killed in a road accident just after telling Ronnie - played by Samantha Womack - she was her daughter.

The hour-long episode was a ratings hit, and the BBC defended the twist, saying the show contained all the elements of high drama associated with a great soap episode.

'Real honour'

Former Coronation Street star Denise Welch was named best actress for her part as teacher Steph Haydock in Waterloo Road, while the BBC One programme also picked up best family drama.

Best actor went to Philip Glenister for Ashes To Ashes, which also won best drama series.

Ant and Dec picked up the outstanding contribution award

Britain's Got Talent landed the award for best talent show, while The Apprentice enjoyed a second year as best reality show.

Channel 4 comedy The Inbetweeners took the best comedy award, and ITV's Loose Women was named best daytime show.

Presenters Ant and Dec won the outstanding contribution award in recognition of their 20-year career on the small screen.

Ant McPartlin said the award was "a real honour", adding: "We can't believe we've been doing this for 20 years - it really is the best job in the world."

Declan Donnelly added: "A massive thank you to all of our fans who have supported us over the years - here's to the next 20."

The pair started on TV in children's drama Byker Grove and fronted shows including SM:TV Live, CD:UK, Pop Idol, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Britain's Got Talent.

The Geordie duo also scooped the prize for best entertainment show for Saturday Night Takeaway.