'EastEnders' actor praises 'Emmerdale'

EastEnders star Marc Elliott has admitted that he had expected Emmerdale to take the top soap prize at the National Television Awards.

The actor - better known as Walford's Syed Masood - revealed that he is a fan of the Yorkshire show's ongoing Aaron and Jackson storyline, which has been portrayed on screen by Danny Miller and Marc Silcock for several months.

Last night's NTA ceremony saw EastEnders bag the 'Most Popular Serial Drama' gong, beating Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.

Speaking to Bang Showbiz, Elliott commented: "The competition was really strong this year but I really thought Emmerdale would scoop it actually. I would have voted for those guys.

"Their storyline with Aaron and Jackson has been just amazing and I honestly thought it would clinch it for them. Let's just hope I don't get told off for this!"

Lacey Turner (Stacey Branning) and Ricky Norwood (Fatboy Chubb) also secured victories for EastEnders on the night, picking up the 'Serial Drama Performance' and 'Most Popular Newcomer' prizes respectively.