Sarah Lancashire takes home Best Actress as the crime series bags Best Drama.

The final season of Happy Valley has emerged victorious at the TV Choice Awards, clinching the Best Drama trophy while its leading star, Sarah Lancashire, was honoured with the Best Actress award for her portrayal of the tough and determined Sergeant Catherine Cawood. The Yorkshire-set crime thriller, created by Sally Wainwright, has already collected numerous accolades for its swansong season.

At the ceremony, Lancashire was presented with her award by The Traitors stars Wilfred Webster and Paul Gorton. The actress’s performance in the gritty series has been widely praised, and this recognition solidifies her status as one of the UK’s most accomplished talents.

Meanwhile, the spin-off of Death in Paradise, titled Beyond Paradise, claimed the Best New Drama award. The series, which debuted last year, sees Kris Marshall reprise his role as DI Humphrey Goodman, now adjusting to life with his fiancée, Martha Lloyd, portrayed by Sally Bretton, in the scenic Devon coastline. Marshall, 50, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We’re absolutely thrilled and it means so much because it’s the viewers who voted.”

Other notable winners include Martin Clunes, who was named Best Actor for his role in Doc Martin, and the BBC One hit Call The Midwife, which triumphed as the Best Family Drama. Stephen McGann, who plays Dr. Patrick Turner in the series, reflected on the enduring popularity of the show, saying, “It’s really surprising to still be loved the way we are by people.”

Emmerdale took home two awards: Best Soap and Best Soap Actor for Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain Dingle. Hordley, 53, expressed his honour at being recognised among such esteemed company, saying, “There are so many great actors out there in the soap world.”

The Best Comedy award went to Mrs Brown’s Boys, and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! was named Best Reality Show for the 18th time. Animal Park was crowned Best Daytime Show, beating out This Morning, and Gogglebox took the prize for Best Entertainment Show.

In the newly introduced Best Game Show category, The Chase was named the winner. The night also saw Dame Maureen Lipman win Best Soap Actress.

The event, hosted by comedian Tom Allen at The Hilton on Park Lane, celebrated a range of British TV excellence, with a nod to both long-running favourites and emerging hits.