Channel 4 soap, Hollyoaks has been honoured for its portrayal of Hannah Ashworth’s struggle with eating disorders at this year’s Mental Health Media Awards.

Last year, viewers saw Hannah’s lengthy struggle with anorexia and bulimia end with her suffering a heart attack and being admitted to hospital.

Speaking of the award, Emma Rigby who plays Hannah said: “This is fantastic recognition for a storyline I was very privileged to be part of. There was a lot of research with Hannah’s plight and I’m pleased that it’s paid off. Hopefully we’ve shown through the storyline that people can recover.”

Show producer Bryan Kirkwood added: “Hollyoaks’ win at the Mental Health Awards rounds off another brilliant year for the show. Emma’s portrayal was raw and from the heart and she totally deserves this awards success. It’s yet more proof that Hollyoaks has grown up into a mature, agenda-setting programme.”