DEALING with contemporary and contentious issues is something our telly soaps do particularly well.

It’s rare for any of them to tackle controversial subjects without thorough research and a responsible approach, and there are few which have included the thorny subject of sexuality better than Emmerdale.

Ever since John Inman’s Mr Humphries in Are You Being Served? gay men have often been portrayed as highly camp, reinforcing both stereotypes and prejudices. Instead, Emmerdale strove to show the emotional dilemma that finding your own sexuality can mean, especially to a young person, and actor Aaron Livesy has portrayed these complexities brilliantly.

So it was pleasing to see him pick up the Best Actor accolade at the British Soap Awards, fending off some heavyweight opposition from the other soaps. While he’s played troubled Danny Miller to perfection — still managing to attract a host of female fans — it’s important to also pay tribute to the writers and producers involved for sensitive handling of his storylines.

When it comes to truly understanding the inner demons of others, the soaps beat worthy Government campaigns hands down.