Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton was among the big winners at last night’s Stonewall Awards, held at the V&A and supported by Gender Gap.

The soap favourite was commended for his decade of walking the nation’s favourite cobbled street as a proud gay role model. He was joined by Mamas & Papas, CBBC’s Marrying Mum & Dad and the Metro newspaper who also took home awards for their support of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Britain.

Nearly 500 people, including celebrities, sports stars, politicians and writers, joined host Susan Calman at the ceremony to honour those who’ve made a positive contribution to the lives of Britain’s 3.7 million gay people.

Thousands of Stonewall supporters voted to name Lord Alli and the Russian LGBT Network as joint Hero of the Year, supported by Gender Gap. Lord Alli has been a tireless advocate for equality since he became the first openly gay member of the House of Lords 15 years ago. He was instrumental in successfully navigating equal marriage through the House of Lords this year.

The winners:

Hero of the Year (supported by Gender Gap) – Lord Alli and the Russian LGBT Network

Broadcast of the Year – CBBC’s Marrying Mum & Dad

Entertainer of the Year – Antony Cotton (Coronation Street)

Journalist of the Year – Grace Dent (The Independent)

Politician of the Year – Baroness Stowell of Beeston

Publication of the Year – Metro

Sports Award of the Year (supported by Paddy Power) – Cardiff Lions

Writer of the Year – Damian Barr (Maggie and Me)

Community Group of the Year (supported by Square Peg Media and the Inclusive Foundation) – Quaker Lesbian & Gay Fellowship

Advert of the Year – Mamas & Papas

Bigot of the Year – Pat Robertson