© Rex Features
Click here to read what Ricky had to say about his NTA recognition and why he deserves your vote.
Alternatively, read on for some bonus snippets from the star…
Do you think there'll ever be a time where we know your character purely as Arthur rather than as Fatboy?
"I don't know - I like the fact that you can see Fatboy but you can also see a bit of Arthur. Whether things will change, I don't know. The name of Fatboy has kind of stuck - one day I might turn into Arthur, but I think people will always know me as Fatboy. With EastEnders, you never know what might happen!"
Do you enjoy getting the chance to work with June Brown?
"It's an honour and a privilege, let me tell you. She is literally a legend and when I'm working with her on set, she is meticulous. She knows where the teapots and teacups should be, she knows why a table shouldn't be in a certain place and she knows about the lighting. It's great to work with and learn from somebody like that. I love every single scene I get with her. I don't know who thought up the idea of putting Fatboy and Dot together, but it's a great mix - two totally different generations and two different speech patterns but they still find a way. June has done so much for me in terms of the learning environment at work but also for the character, as you see a different side to Fatboy again when he's with her. June is a screen legend and I think she should be getting a Lifetime Achievement Award!"
Could there ever be a proper romance for Fatboy and Mercy?
"From Fatboy's point of view, he'd like there to be! They've always been good friends and had each other's backs but whether that will develop into a romance, I really don't know. Fatboy's always been the one who's chasing her, so I don't know whether she might buckle at one point and look at him without the older sister or parent kind of view - because that's how Mercy is with him. Whether she can let that go and finally fall for Fatboy, I don't know! But I would say fingers crossed, and I know Fatboy is going to be trying so that should be fun to watch!"
"I know they've got some new writers in for it and they're working really, really hard - and I think series three will more than likely be the best season that they're going to come out with. From the little whispers that I'm hearing and who's going to be writing, I think they've got some good ideas. I don't know whether I'm in it as much as the first and second series, because I know that EastEnders want me to be around for the main show during the period of filming for E20. I don't know whether I'll get to be in it, but I'll always love E20 and I'll always be grateful for the opportunity they gave to me."
Are there any EastEnders cast members who you're keen to work with more?
"I love Lindsey Coulson, who plays Carol - she is amazing. Also Jake Wood who plays Max - I think he's an amazing actor. We've got some really talented people in the cast, so I'm always learning when I'm doing the scenes. Because of Fatboy's age and the people he mixes with, he sometimes doesn't get the opportunity to mix with the elders on the Square - but I'd love to work with Lindsey and with Jake. Also Tameka, who plays Kim - I think that her and Fatboy would get on so well, whether as mates or in a relationship. Fatboy and Kim are such brash and brassy characters - they love a laugh, so I think pairing them up would be a comedy goldmine.
"Also, Gillian Wright who plays Jean Slater is an awesome actress - I've seen her do some stuff that has taken my breath away sometimes. And then there's people who don't get the credit that they deserve sometimes, like Patsy Palmer. She's been amazing throughout Billie's death storyline and all the Whitney stuff. Sometimes when people are so used to someone being there, they don't recognise how amazing they are!"
Cast your votes for the National Television Awards by clicking here. Ricky is nominated in the 'Best Newcomer' category alongside Coronation Street's Paula Lane, Holby City's Olga Fedori and Emmerdale's Marc Silcock.
Let me know your thoughts on the above using the usual form below!
