The sharp suits are coming out as the Emmerdale lads prepare for the biggest event in the soap calendar, Saturday's The British Soap Awards 2015 (screens on ITV on Thursday, May 21).
Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy), Michael Parr (Ross Barton) and Kelvin Fletcher (Andy Sugden) are all looking forward to the event, and keeping their fingers crossed for Emmerdale, which has been shortlisted in 11 categories, ranging from Best Comedy Performance (Laura Norton) to Best Storyline (Donna’s Demise).
Here Danny, Michael and Kelvin give us their take on their big night.
Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy)
What do you think of this year’s nominations?
“We have some great people listed, so we have got a chance of winning something. I would love to see Ryan Hawley [Robert Sugden] win Villain of the Year. I think he has been fantastic, coming into a show like this and embracing the role.
“The ultimate though would be to win Best Soap. You are so used to hearing Coronation Street and EastEnders being called out. People were surprised when Hollyoaks got it last year and now I think every soap has a chance of winning it.”
What is it like winning an award?
“I got Best Actor twice and it means a lot to know that people are enjoying what I do. My mum has got the trophies. She is very proud of them and keeps them dust free!”
Who should have made the list, but didn’t?
“It is a shame that Charlotte Bellamy wasn’t nominated, as she has been fantastic with Laurel’s whole alcohol storyline.”
What will you be wearing on the night?
“I have got two suits and I just change my tie and hope nobody notices! I know that the woman go to a lot more effort and I appreciate that. I can admire a nice dress – I see it as getting in touch with my feminine side!"
Who are you looking forward to catching up with at the after-show party?
“Some of the other actors who are up in the north such as Sean Ward [Corrie’s Callum] and Alan Halsall [Corrie’s Tyrone].”
What do you think of Emmerdale’s 2014 and what's to come in 2015?
“It has been a great year. Our producer Kate Oates has pushed the show to the limits and the stories are so real. We know that the next year is going to be massive – there is a big summer on the cards and we are all hoping that we’ll be involved in it. In terms of Aaron, Robert thinks he has gotten off lightly and I am sure his gay affair will come to light at some point.”
Michael Parr (Ross Barton)
What do you think of this year’s nominations?
“I am thrilled to be nominated for Best Actor. I am quite new to the game and I don’t think there is anyone else in the shortlist who has had less than 15 years of experience, so I feel as if I am in with the big boys now. I’d put my money on Danny Dyer winning it. I am so pleased that Natalie Anderson (Alicia Metcalfe) is up for Best Dramatic Performance and Best Actress. Hers is a performance and a storyline to be proud of.”
What is it like winning an award?
“There is a lot of pressure on you when you win as the cameras are on you. You think ‘Do I look grateful, humble etc?’ I joked to my mum that if I won this year, I would do that thing Joey from Friends did, you know, making a big deal of it, but she told me it might be taken the wrong way – so I won’t be doing that!”
Who should have made the list, but didn’t?
“I think Danny Miller and Kelvin Fletcher have both had a good year. Kelvin is up for Best Episode, but he and Danny should equally be up for Best Actor too. But when anybody wins from Emmerdale, they do it for the team.”
What will you be wearing on the night?
“I don’t know. This is the first year I will be getting help with my clothes as I fail sometimes and end up looking like a weirdo. I have a friend who is quite trendy and works in a trendy shop who is going to choose my outfit.”
Who are you looking forward to catching up with at the after-show party?
“Verity Rushworth, who is up for Best On-Screen Partnership with me. I haven’t seen her since she left the show and am really looking forward to catching up.”
How was Emmerdale’s 2015 and what’s to come for Ross?
“It has been a superb year for Emmerdale and one of ups and downs for Ross. He is starting to find his feet again after Donna’s death. We’ll have to wait and see what happens with the love triangle – although it is more of a quartet with Debbie, Pete, Ross and Carly.”
Kelvin Fletcher (Andy Sugden)
What do you think of this year’s nominations?
“It’s nice to see Emmerdale in so many categories. Any nomination is always a proud moment. It means you have been put forward by your superiors who have confidence in you. I think Laura Norton is in with a good chance of winning Best Comedy Performance and, of course, I am hoping that Andy’s suicide bid will scoop Best Single Episode.”
What is it like winning an award?
“It is really nice to have your work recognised – I won Best Dramatic Performance in 1999. However, I think making the shortlist is as big an achievement as winning an award.”
Who should have made the list, but didn’t?
“Charlotte Bellamy. Her performance is in my eyes, unrivalled.”
What will you be wearing on the night?
“A suit. In fact, I need a new one, so I will have to go out and buy one. I went to a do recently and turned up in the same suit as Danny Miller, which was quite embarrassing.
“I said to him ‘You’ll have to go and stand over there!’ The thing is, it was an electric blue suit, so it was quite distinctive. I suppose it is not quite as bad as two women wearing the same dress.”
Who are you looking forward to catching up with at the after-show party?
“Adam’s brother Ryan Thomas as I have known him since I started acting. I met him before I knew Adam. I am also quite excited about meeting some of the EastEnders lot.”
How was Emmerdale’s 2014, and what’s to come for Andy?
“We have had a great year. Year on year, Emmerdale is building and really capturing a new audience. I meet so many people who say ‘I never used to watch it, but I am hooked lately.’ The show deals with real issues so well, whether it be cancer or alcohol. As for Andy, he is moving forward with his life and there are a lot of positives.”
