Emmerdale veteran Dominic Brunt has said that he believes the soap 'deserves' to win a National Television Award for a second year in a row.
The Yorkshire-based soap is up for Best Serial Drama at the ceremony next month and will face off against EastEnders, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks in a bid to retain their title.
The last year in the Dales has been a particularly eventful one and has included the 50th anniversary 'Storm Week' storyline, leading to multiple deaths, the tragic loss of Faith (Sally Dexter) to cancer, Marlon's (Mark Charnock) recovery from a stroke and Paddy's (Brunt) battle with suicidal thoughts and depression.
"I spoke to the charity Andy's Man Club and they said their attendance levels went up due to the storyline," said Brunt, who has played Paddy since 1997.
"So if we've saved someone from that suffering, that level of depression, where they felt they needed to go and get help, then that feels like it's a massive job done really."
Looking ahead to the soap's chances at the NTAs, where he is also up for Best Serial Drama Performance as an individual, he added: "I hope we do [win]. I think we all deserve it. It's a nice building to work in and a great team. It feels unique in that way compared to other places I've worked."
The National Television Awards air live on ITV1 and ITVX on September 5, while Emmerdale continues weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Neil Wilkes
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