Dales star: 'David Platt is best villain'

Emmerdale star Nicola Wheeler is backing Jack P. Shepherd to win best villain at today's British Soap Awards.

The actress, who plays Nicola De Souza, said her character is better suited to a 'rubbish villain of the year' gong after repeatedly failing in her attempts to kill onscreen husband Donald (Michael Jayston).

She claimed that Shepherd is more deserving of the title for his portrayal of David Platt in Coronation Street.

The pair face competition from soap baddies including Coronation Street's Alison King (Carla Connor), and EastEnders stars Rob Kazinsky (Sean Slater) and Sophie Thompson (Stella Crawford).

Wheeler told MSN: "It's exciting but I'm quite backing the young lad who plays David Platt on that one, which I know I shouldn't say because I'm in Emmerdale, but I think he's a true villain."