'Hollyoaks' stars call for your NTA votes

The National Television Awards take place in London on Wednesday evening and there's still time to have your say before the voting closes at 12pm on the day.

Earlier this month, we interviewed Coronation Street's Chris Fountain, EastEnders' Jacqueline Jossa and Emmerdale's Chelsea Halfpenny about their 'Best Newcomer' nominations and why their soap deserves to triumph on the night, so now it's time to hear from the Hollyoaks cast.

Here, a collection of Hollyoaks stars tell Digital Spy what the show's nomination for 'Best Serial Drama' means to them and why Channel 4's flagship teen drama deserves to win.

---

Claire Cooper (Jacqui McQueen): "I'm thrilled that Hollyoaks has been shortlisted. Being recognised is an honour and a huge compliment that drives us forward as a united front!

"I'm incredibly proud of the show and my colleagues. Huge thank you for everyone's support."

Jen Metcalfe (Mercedes McQueen): "I'm so happy, I don't think Hollyoaks is recognised enough and to be up for such a brilliant award for another year is fantastic. I'm really proud of everyone involved."

Kieron Richardson (Ste Hay): "The NTAs is the biggest event in the televisual calendar and after Hollyoaks having one of its biggest years to date, we're just honoured to be nominated in such a strong category - never underestimate the underdog!"

Tom Scurr (Barney Harper-McBride): "It's wonderful that a show such as Hollyoaks, which really deserves recognition, has an opportunity to achieve some by being nominated in this great category."

PJ Brennan (Doug Carter): "Hollyoaks is a place where risk-taking is required and an uninhibited imagination is expected.

"The nomination for the NTA proves that these qualities make for exciting and dynamic television, and while this will never change, the recognition highlights the effort made by all here. So, please, keep calm, and vote Hollyoaks!!"

James Atherton (Will Savage): "It's great to be a part of something, which is considered a rival to shows such as EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale."

Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen): "It's fantastic that we get a chance to be in the running for an award like 'Best Serial Drama'. Everyone's been fantastic at Hollyoaks and worked really hard, so we really deserve this."

Emmett Scanlan (Brendan Brady): "It's your typical David and Goliath story... No-one will give us a chance, but we take risks, push boundaries, challenge the stereotype weekly. This is the year of the underdog…"

Rachel Shenton (Mitzeee): "In the past, Hollyoaks has been considered the underdog, mainly due to us still being considered relatively new in comparison to the other soaps.

"In saying that, we've been around for over 15 years now and have taken home some awards recently. So the nomination in this category at such a prestigious award ceremony is an honour and everyone at 'Oaks is thrilled."

---

Cast your votes for this year's National Television Awards here. Voting closes at 12pm on Wednesday, January 25. Hollyoaks is nominated in the 'Serial Drama' category alongside Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale.