Casualty beats Emmerdale and EastEnders for BAFTA win – but fans say ‘real winner robbed’

Casualty came out on top in a battle of the continuing dramas on Sunday night, as they secured the award for Soap and Continuing Drama at the BAFTA TV Awards 2024.

The BBC medical drama fought off competition from Emmerdale and EastEnders to be voted best soap, while Coronation Street didn’t even get a look in. For the second year in a row, Corrie was snubbed from the nominations and missed out.

This is the second time Casualty has taken the prize, two years running, beating the soaps in the process – while some viewers wondered if it was in the right category. It follows huge moments on the series over the past year, including the exit of fan favourite and show legend Charlie Fairhead.

But some EastEnders viewers didn’t agree with the win, suggesting the BBC soap was “robbed” – while others were thrilled to see Casualty win once more. One pleased fan wrote: “Congratulations to #Casualty for their highly deserved Award.”

However one viewer disagreed: “Casualty beat #Eastenders at the #BAFTATVAwards ?! Very shocked. Eastenders were robbed!!” Another added: “Casualty winning over Eastenders.. Baftas are you okay xx.”

Another confirmed winner of the night before the show kicked off was ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly. Back in March, she was gobsmacked as she learned she was going to be presented with a special award on the night, to make her long career.

Susanna Reid had surprised her with the news on air. She told her pal: “Good morning Lorraine, this has come as an enormous surprise… I have a very special announcement for you, Lorraine Kelly. It doesn’t get much bigger or more deserved than this.

“I’m here for a special reason this morning, because BAFTA will be celebrating your 40 years in broadcasting.” She then revealed as well as Lorraine being nominated for her show, she had something else to celebrate that was “unique” to her.

Susanna then read out: “This is the first time something like this has been announced on air. On behalf of the BAFTA board of trustees, we are delighted to offer you Lorraine Kelly the Academy Special award to be presented at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards.”

Lorraine was speechless, before shouting out: “That is nuts, that’s nuts.” Questioning if she was being pranked, she asked: “Where are Ant and Dec? It can’t be a prank because it’s Susanna!”

Susanna then talked of Lorraine being celebrated for her decades in broadcasting, and her outstanding contribution to television. Lorraine told her: “Thank you. I’m in shock. This is crazy,” before repeating that she knew it was not a prank because Susanna was with her and not someone else.