THREE Bolton soap stars are among the cream of Britain's actors being nominated for prestigious national television awards.

Sammy Winward and Mark Charnock, of ITV1's Emmerdale, and Andy McNair, from Channel 4's Hollyoaks, have been nominated for most popular actor or actress in the National Television Awards 2004.

Sammy, from Edgworth, plays love cheat Katie Sugden, who has been seen conducting an illicit relationship with Robert Sugden, the adopted brother of her husband Andy.

The storyline came to a head when the affair was exposed, with explosive repercussions.

Her co-star, Bolton-born Mark Charnock, formed the backbone of one of the most moving storylines of the year as Marlon Dingle.

Marlon has been through hell after the death of his wife Tricia in a freak storm at the start of the year.

Struggling to get his life on track, he developed a fascination with the woman who received his wife's heart in a transplant operation, landing him in hot water with the police who suspected him of stalking.

Mark Charnock said: "I'm delighted and flattered to have been nominated for most popular actor at the National Television Awards."

Andy McNair kept audiences glued to the screen with his portrayal of wrongly-convicted murderer Dan Hunter in Hollyoaks, the UK's most popular teen drama. The character played by the former Canon Slade school pupil has recently been released from prison, and is facing a tough time rebuilding his life in the outside world.

The talented trio will be at the star-studded ceremony in October with the 80 other nominees for best actor or best actress.

In the running for the most popular serial drama award are Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, all of which feature other Bolton actors.

Although Bolton presenter Vernon Kay is not nominated, his wife, Tess Daly, is in the running for most popular entertainment presenter.

To vote in the National Television Awards and lend support to Bolton's talent, you can pick up a voting form from the Post Office.