Lucy Pargeter leads the glamorous brigade of Emmerdale stars on the red carpet as soap scoops the Best Soap gong for first time EVER at British Soap Awards

It was a momentous night for Emmerdale as the programme scooped the Best Soap prize for the first time in the 18-year history of the British Soap Awards.

And Lucy Pargeter was leading the glamorous brigade of cast members as they descended upon the red carpet for the star-studded event at Hackney Empire in London on Saturday night.

The 39-year-old actress looked incredible in a sophisticated black gown with a sheer cut-out at the bust and a leather belt cinching in the waist.

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Elegant as ever: Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter was leading the glamorous brigade of cast members as they descended upon the red carpet for the star-studded event at Hackney Empire in London on Saturday night

Her co-star Fiona Wade put on a dramatic display on the red carpet in a leather bodysuit with a flowing tulle skirt.

The striking brunette lifted up her skirt to show off her slender legs as she made her grand arrival at the event.

Also flying the flag for Emmerdale was Eden Taylor-Draper, who upped the glamour in a strapless black dress with a gold band around the waist.

The ITV show beat off competition from last year's winner EastEnders, as well as Coronation Street, Doctors and Hollyoaks, for the public-voted prize.

Leggy look: Fiona Wade opted for an altogether more daring black dress, showing off her slender legs thanks to a daring bodysuit and flowing skirt 

Black tie dress code: Eden Taylor-Draper also joined her co-stars in a chic and sophisticated black dress

There was further victory for Emmerdale's Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Livesy, as he won both best actor and best male dramatic performance.

At the ceremony at the Hackney Empire in London, Miller said: 'Soap actors and soap actresses, we're the hardest working bunch of actors in the business as far as I'm concerned, we come in at seven, we go home at seven and we do 60 pages a day. And we're paid s***e.'

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner had similar success, bagging the awards for best actress and best female dramatic performance - as well as being recognised for her character Stacey Branning's postpartum psychosis storyline.

Lovely Lucy: The 39-year-old actress looked incredible in a sophisticated black gown with a sheer cut-out at the bust and a leather belt cinching in the waist

Big win: The ITV show beat off competition from last year's winner EastEnders, as well as Coronation Street, Doctors and Hollyoaks, for the public-voted prize

But her cast mate Danny Dyer left empty-handed, despite three consecutive nominations for best actor.

Speaking earlier on the red carpet at Hackney Town Hall, he said: 'I don't win I'll be gutted. I'll be absolutely gutted, I ain't going to lie to ya. Everyone will say they'll be fine with it, but I will be really upset and I will sob me heart out.'

Emmerdale's cast and producers were presented with their award by Dame Joan Collins, who starred in 80s' American soap opera Dynasty.

She said : 'It is a real, real honour to be here because having worked on a few soaps myself, I really know not only how hard you work, but how truly talented you all are.

Stunning: Fiona, who plays Priya Sharma on the soap, was certainly dressed to impress 

Thigh's the limit: The stunning actress left little to the imagination in her leather trimmed dress 

Best foot forward: Fiona ensured she showcased her long legs to their best advantage in her daring dress

'And I also know how difficult it is to be able to turn on the waterworks at the drop of a hat, and most of you do that so brilliantly, so it's really, really impressive.'

EastEnders' actor Steve McFadden, who has played Phil Mitchell for 26 years, received an outstanding achievement award.

Appearing in a pre-recorded message, he said: 'Wow, wow. What can I say. I don't know what to say, because I don't really get awards - but I've got one now.'

After thanking his parents and the cast and crew of the BBC soap, he gave a special mention to Dame Barbara Windsor.

Main man: There was further victory for Emmerdale's Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Livesy, as he won both best actor and best male dramatic performance

Dame Barbara played his on-screen mother Peggy Mitchell until earlier this month, when her character died of cancer.

McFadden said: 'Last but not least, I must mention Barbara Windsor, who has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and a wonderful, wonderful person and friend in my life.

'Thank you Barbara for everything.'

Others to win awards included Coronation Street's Connor McIntyre (Pat Phelan) and Patti Clare (Mary Taylor), Sally Dynevor and Joe Duttine (Sally Webster and Tim Metcalfe) for best on-screen partnership, EastEnders' Bonnie Langford (Carmel Kazemi) and Hollyoaks' Ruby O'Donnell (Peri Lomax).

The British Soap Awards airs on Sunday May 29 at 8pm on ITV.

Chic: Eden upped the glamour in a strapless black dress with a gold band around the waist