Soap stars at awards event launch (From Swindon Advertiser)

Soap stars at awards event launch

9:38pm Monday 6th July 2009 in

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Some of Britain's best-loved soap stars have graced the red carpet for the launch of an annual awards event.

Well-known faces from Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale were in Manchester to hear the nominations for the 15th Inside Soap Awards.

Coronation Street's Kym Marsh, nominated for Best Actress, arrived at the reception with her partner Jamie Lomas, nominated for Best Actor and Best Bad Boy for his portrayal of villain Warren Fox in Hollyoaks.

Marsh said the nomination news had been "really nice" after a difficult year for the couple, whose baby son died in February after he was born 18 weeks premature.

"We've had a really tough year, but it's been really good for us because we've got some great friends and work colleagues. Coronation Street have been fantastic, so I'm very lucky to have had them around me. I'm glad to be back at work with my friends."

Despite receiving nominations in all the major categories, Eastenders' stars were notably absent from the launch, with organisers blaming demanding filming schedules.

Emmerdale's Kelvin Fletcher, up for Best Actor as Andy Sugden, said his role did prove exhausting at times. He said: "I've always been ridiculed by my friends for not having a proper job. But it's mentally hard and it can be very draining on you."

With Coronation Street filmed at the Granada studios, just metres from the event's venue, the Great John Street Hotel, Sexiest Female nominee Michelle Keegan did not have far to walk in her soaring stilettos.

Keegan, who plays Tina McIntyre, said: "It's very flattering, but I think there are far sexier actresses out there than me... I just go to Tesco in my pyjamas, I've done that since day one, even before I had the job, and I still do that now."

Voting details for the 2009 Inside Soap Awards are available at.www.insidesoap.co.uk. The awards ceremony takes place on September 28 in London.