Laura Jones speaks to Hollyoaks hopefuls on the eve of TV awards
HOLLYOAKS’ sensational siblings Carmel and John Paul McQueen are among the star-studded shortlist of nominees for the year’s most prestigious small screen awards.
The National Television Awards 2007 congratulates Britain's best TV talent and Gemma Merna and James Sutton, who play the McQueen duo, will be at the glittering ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London on October 31.
Hollyoaks is up for three gongs, including Most Popular Serial Drama, and after only a year on our screens the two hotly tipped soapstars have already earned two nominations for their roles.
Gemma’s character, ditzy drama queen Carmel McQueen, has had her fair share of fiascoes throughout 2007, after a sequence of illicit affairs with her sisters’ husbands. Her convincing portrayal of the beautician has earned her a gong nomination in the Most Popular NewComer category, alongside the likes of Corrie’s Kym Marsh.
“I'm over the moon to be nominated for playing Carmel,” says Gemma. “She isn't just a caricature like so many other soap characters are, she has feelings too. I know I'll be nervous on the night but I’m really looking forward to seeing my clips on the big screen.”
Her Hollyoaks brother and relative newcomer James has had plenty of shocking scenes during his time on the show, most recently being outed as the resident (although not only) gay in the village. The risque role has earned James a nomination in the Most Popular Actor category, where he is pitted against Doctor Who's David Tennant and EastEnder Charlie Clements.
James says although he is flattered and honoured to be nominated, that’s where his expectations end. “I would be excited to meet Sir Trevor (McDonald),” he smiles, “but I really don't plan on winning.”
Competition is fierce in every category, but is soapland as dysfunctional off screen as it is on screen? Gemma, 23, insists there will be no handbags at dawn. They’ll be too busy concentrating on their all-important outfits for the big night.
James, 24, who admires Hollywood style icon Johnny Depp, says the tux used in our exclusive ECHO shoot will definitely be on his shortlist. “I've got a nice pair of patent shoes that would go great with that tux,” he says. “I like to be a bit quirky, not in a Jonathan Ross way, though!”
As for Gemma, she’s still busy deciding. “My stylist has been showing me options for weeks. She's been tearing her hair out trying to find 'the' dress,” she says. “I've seen a beautiful Cavalli dress but now I love the pink Stella dress I wore for this shoot. There's just too much choice.
“Not only that but I'm filming on the day of the awards, so I'll only have two hours to get ready. I need more like five!”
FOR your chance to vote for your favourite Hollyoaks stars go to www.nationaltvawards.com
