Glamour was the name of the game on The British Soap Awards 2023 red carpet at The Lowry in Salford on Saturday evening.
And Claire Sweeney looked sensational as she led the way in a stunning off-the-shoulder floor-length red fishtail gown.
The actress, 52, who announced she was joining the cast of Coronation Street in April, confidently posed with her hand on her hip as she arrived at the star-studded bash, with the train of her dress extending out across the floor beside her.
Her garment featured shimmering gold decorative detail on the hip and neckline, with Claire carrying a sequinned clutch purse in the same colour to match.
She wore a pair of gold open-toed heels to add a few inches to her stature and accessorised with some pendulum earrings for the evening.
A vision: Claire Sweeney, 52, looked sensational in a stunning off-the-shoulder floor-length red fishtail gown as she led the red carpet at The British Soap Awards 2023 at The Lowry in Salford on Saturday evening
In the detail: Her garment featured shimmering gold decorative detail on the hip and neckline, with Claire carrying a sequinned clutch purse in the same colour to match
Claire, who rose to fame on former soap Brookside, wore lashings of make-up to highlight her pretty features, opting for a bold red lip.
She has already started filming for the ITV serial and her first scenes are set to air on Wednesday 28 June.
This year’s British Soap Awards is hosted by Jane McDonald, who was drafted in as a last minute replacement for long-time host Phillip Schofield.
Operatic singer and cruise ship favourite Jane, 60, was revealed as Phillip’s replacement on Thursday after he quit ITV and was dropped by his talent agency YMU after admitting to an affair with a young male This Morning colleague.
He confessed to having the ‘unwise but not illegal’ relationship with a man during his marriage to Stephanie Lowe, and previously denied the affair when asked about it by his agent.
The presenter, 61, confirmed in a statement last week that he has stepped down from all his ITV jobs, including the ceremony.
And amid news Jane was taking the helm, fans hailed the star as the ‘perfect choice’ to front the ceremony, which takes place at The Lowry in Salford, Greater Manchester.
Ahead of hosting the awards, Jane said: ‘Oh my god…..everyone knows how much I LOVE my soaps, this year I’ve been honoured to be mentioned in Corrie, EastEnders and Emmerdale, so this is just a dream come true.
‘I can’t wait to see all our wonderful soap nominees and celebrate all their hard work with them – roll on the awards, I can’t wait!’
Meanwhile, the five biggest soaps – Coronation Street, Doctors, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks – will be battling it out to win recognition for their work over the past year.
The great and good of the soap world will be hitting the red carpet for the most star-studded and glamorous event in the soap calendar, which airs on TV on Tuesday.
And after a sensational year of exhilarating drama, shocking scandals and action-packed stunts, it will be a closely fought contest as to who will walk away with a coveted gong.
Among the nominees this year are Charlotte Jordan (Coronation Street), Chris Walker (Doctors), Danielle Harold (EastEnders), Jeff Hordley (Emmerdale) and Nikki Sanderson (Hollyoaks) for Best Dramatic Performance.
While the likes of Todd Boyce (Coronation Street), Laura White (Doctors), Aaron Thiara (EastEnders), Michael Wildman (Emmerdale) and Angus Castle-Doughty (Hollyoaks) will fight it out for Villain of the Year.
Meanwhile, it’s been a stellar year for storylines in the soaps, with plots to tug at the heartstrings, get people talking and leave viewers yelling at their screens with both frustration and excitement.
Among the plots for Best Storyline are Loving And Losing Lola for EastEnders, Paddy’s Suicide Attempt for Emmerdale and Incel Eric Targets Mason And Maxine for Hollyoaks.
While Scene Of The Year contenders include Acid Attack for Coronation Street, Hell Is Empty for Doctors and Whitney and Zack Say Goodbye To Peach for EastEnders.
Best Single Episode is also up for grabs with the likes of EastEnders’ Goodbye Dot, Emmerdale’s All Male Man Club and Hollyoaks’ The Long Walk Home in contention.
Stars from the soaps will also face each other for prizes including Best Young Performer, Best Family, Best Comedy Performance, Best On-Screen Partnership and Best Newcomer.
While all the top five soaps will most certainly be vying for the big prize – Best British Soap – which was last year won by Emmerdale.
The winners of the Outstanding Achievement Prize and the Tony Warren Award will be announced on the night.
Jennifer Metcalfe was seen arriving with curlers in her hair ahead of the Soap Awards red carpet in Manchester on Saturday afternoon.
Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate and West End star Claire has taken on the role of Cassie in Corrie, the mother of Weatherfield mechanic Tyrone Dobbs.
The Hollyoaks actress, 39,
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