James Sutton "flattered" over NTA nod

Emmerdale star James Sutton has revealed that he is thrilled to be in the running for the 'Best Newcomer' prize at the National Television Awards.

The actor, who plays Ryan Lamb on the ITV1 soap, has been nominated in the category alongside Coronation Street's Craig Gazey (Graeme Proctor), EastEnders star Neil McDermott (Ryan Malloy) and Hollyoaks actress Bronagh Waugh (Cheryl Brady).

Speaking of his inclusion on the shortlist, Sutton told DS: "It's incredibly flattering considering the talent on Emmerdale, especially in 'Best Newcomer'. Some wonderful people have come in the last year. Alice Coulthard and Lyndon [Ogbourne] have both arrived, Kim Thomson as well - these are seriously high-calibre people so I'm incredibly flattered really."

On the competition he faces, the soap star commented: "It's very, very strong. Neil from EastEnders - I haven't seen that much of EastEnders - but what I have seen is really strong. Obviously I know Craig quite well and he's immensely talented, I worked with him at drama school and he's always been great. Bronagh I know from Hollyoaks. It's really tough - I wouldn't be able to call it!"

The National Television Awards will air live on ITV1 on Wednesday. Click here to cast your vote for the newcomer prize on the official website.

> Click here to read our interview with James Sutton