British Soap Awards 2016: Winner predictions as Lacey Turner and Jack P Shepherd could triumph

One of the biggest nights in UK television is fast approaching as the British Soap Awards 2016 will air this Sunday (29 May) at 8pm on ITV. Expect glitz, glamour and a cacophony of regional accents as our favourite soap stars hit the red carpet and collect their accolades after a year of entertaining us couch potatoes.

The public have had the chance to vote for their favourite show and characters and will still be able to until the Award ceremony takes place at 8.15pm on Saturday (28 May), so get a move on if you want to have your say on who wins.

Hosted by This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield, this year's nominees are more exciting than ever as we witness small-screen royalty, including Danny Dyer and Alison King, have a pop at taking the best acting crowns. So as the big night is upon us, who do we think will win some of the biggest prizes here at IBTimes UK?

Predictions are a tough call this year as the big five, EastEnders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and Doctors have all enjoyed some ground-breaking storylines that have gripped the nation. The Best Actor category is one of the most coveted accolades – voted entirely by the public – and we have a sneaking feeling it's between Jack P Shepherd (Coronation Street) and Danny Dyer (EastEnders).

Shepherd, who plays David Platt on the soap, has proved his versatility over the years and can go from being a clown to a villain depending on the storyline. He's truly shone in the last 12 months in his reaction to Callum's relentless terrorising, and showed depth to his character as he dealt with the villain's death. Dyer, however, has thrown himself head first into the role of Mick Carter and has already won the Best Serial Drama Performance prize at the National Television Awards for two years running. He's had some ominous moments, including baby Ollie's worrying accident and coping with Dean's lurking presence on Albert Square, and we think he might just edge it when it comes to nabbing the big prize.

Our money's also on EastEnders star Lacey Turner for the Best Actress award for her ever-riveting performance of Stacey Branning. Her raw talent was plain for all to see as she portrayed Stacey's postpartum psychosis in darker moments but appeared to have finally found happiness by marrying Martin Fowler. A tough one to beat, her real rival is most probably Alison King (Coronation Street) who could win the award since she's leaving the soap this year and boasts an army of fans who call themselves the "Aliettes".

The Best Storyline deserves to go to Aaron's abuse in Emmerdale as the soap turned it into one of the most powerful tales of terror of the year. It's been relatively exhausting as Aaron Livesy was revealed as a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of his father, and not only was the acting spot on, but it was apparent that the writers and producers had done a whole lot of research to ensure that it was executed in the most accurate and sensitive way possible. Is that enough to pip Lacey Turner's postpartum psychosis storyline to the post? We'll soon find out.

Though they won last year, it seems likely that EastEnders may win the Best British Soap gong since it has had a mighty strong year of dramatic storylines and great acting. Steve McFadden has surpassed himself in terms of morphing into an alcoholic with his life hanging by a thread, and we've said goodbye to the soap's legendary matriarch, Peggy Mitchell (Dame Barbara Windsor) whose recent suicide may rack up a few final votes. See the nominations below.