Hove-based actor Brian Capron has been crowned the 'bad boy' of TV soaps.

The Coronation Street star last night picked up the accolade at the Inside Soap Awards at London's Mayfair Club.

Brian, 55, who plays killer Richard Hillman, beat EastEnders rival bully boy Trevor Morgan, played by Alex Ferns, to the title.

Brian, who lives with actress partner Jacqueline Bucknell and son, Louis, has played the nasty-but- nice-on-the-surface Hillman for two years.

Earlier this year the actor, still recognised by a generation of fans as 'dishy' Mr Hopwood in Grange Hill, described his job in Coronation Street as 'the cherry on the cake'.

Brian's title was one of five won by the ITV soap.

Street stalwarts Bill Tarmey and Elizabeth Dawn scooped the Outstanding Achievement Award for their portrayal of Jack and Vera Duckworth, which has spanned 20 years.

EastEnders won six, including best soap.