CELEBS...CELEBS...CELEBS...CELEBS...CELEBS...CELEBS...CELEBS...

GOODBYE CHAVVY CHIC, HELLO HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR. SOAP’S LEADING LADIES HAVE NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD – AND IT’S ALL IN ORDER TO GET YOUR VOTES AT THE NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS

Interviews by Claie Wilson and Eimear O’Hagan photography by Drew Gardne

EMMERDALE

Name: Sammy Winward
Age: 23
Soap: Emmerdale
Plays: Naughty but nice Katie Sugden

Best soap moment

When I was involved in a love triangle with the two Sugden brothers a few years back. Thankfully it was written in a way that didn't make Katie look a bitch, just a young girl who'd just done the stupid thing of falling in love... with her husband's brother!

Worst soap moment

When Katie and Donna, who was played by Verity Rushworth, had to be carted round the village as Jubilee Queen in awful polyester prom dresses. it was so cringe worthy especially as I was only 15. They still have the pictures up in the Village Hall, so I am reminded of it constantly.

If you weren't doing this job what would you be doing?

Something to do with history. I‘m very interested in archaeology and ancient history and in my spare time really enjoy reading up about it.

You're most likely to be found gossiping on set with…

All of the girls in the cast. We're not really gossips though, we just chat about our handbags, shoes and boys-the usually girlie things.

My top night out would be…

Something involving my close friends, drink and dancing. It doesn't really matter where we go. I'm not a hardcore clubber, though, I can't afford to be with a child – plus I'm terrible with hangovers.

If I wasn't playing Katie I would love to play…

A Dingle. Katie's so normal, it would be great to play a really over the top role like that. Plus I'd get a biblical name, too.

What's your top beauty tip?

I used to spend so much money on posh face creams like Crème de la Mer and La Prairie, but then I stopped and went back to using Clear and Clean face wash and it's brilliant. My skin is so much better using just that!

What would Katie say if she saw you dressed like this?

She'd love what I'm wearing. Now she works on the business side of the Farm, she gets to wear nicer clothes and I think she could pull something like this off.

Who's your soap pin up?

I was mad on Neighbours when I was younger and loved Kylie and Jason. As soon as I got home from school it would be on. I was probably more of a fan of Kylie's than Jason as I loved her music, but he came as part of the package.

The funniest thing I've read about myself is…

when I've been linked to men I've never met or who I wouldn't dream of being with. I'm always seen cosying up to men somewhere apparently, but I have a child, so in reality I rarely go out!

The best thing abut this job is…

Having different storylines all the time. Every couple of months I get a huge challenge put in my way and I try to do the best I can with it.

What's your top beauty tip?

Exfoliate. Especially in the winter when it's fake tan time. If you don't take it off on a regular basis it can start to look a bit patchy, so exfoliating gets rid of it and also keeps your skin a lot healthier.

How do you keep in shape?

I have a personal trainer that comes to my house twice a week. I've had her for three months and she concentrates on tonight up my tummy, thighs and bum. I've already started to notice the difference.

Do you think your looks helped you get a career in TV?

I've no idea! I am sure if you sure my first screen test at 15 you wouldn't think so. I was probably quite horrific.

Name: Jenna-Louise Coleman
Age: 22
Soap: Emmerdale
Plays: Ambitious career girl Jasmine Thomas

Best soap moment.

When Jasmine started up a lesbian affair and then also began a relationship with her lover's dad! When I first joined Jasmine was described as being bookish and shy, so it was a bit of shock initially that she might be curious about girls, but then it seemed to make sense. Thankfully it came across as more sweet than seedy.

What would jasmine say if she saw you dressed like this?

She tends to have bit more of a hippy and floral style than this, so I imagine she would want to add a few more beads and flowers to the outfit.

Who's your soap pin up?

Joe Gilgun who plays Eli in Emmerdale. He's hilarious and the funniest guy on set. He'll be chuffed to hear he's my pin up!

The best thing about this job is…

Waking up every day and doing something you love.

My top night out would be…

A nice restaurant where you can have a chat with all your girlie mates while drinking pink champagne then it would be onto a club for a good dance to some cheesy music. I'm not one for going out all the time, I much prefer a big night out every few months.

If I wasn't playing Jasmine I would love to play

Little Mo in Eastenders – even though she's not in it any more. It's a great part as she was really meek and had so much heart you really felt for her. I like all the Slater characters, as there are so many layers to them, so I think any one of them would be a good part to play.

What's your top beauty tip?

Use Wella Hydro Milk if you need to keep your hair in good condition. I'm in rollers every day and have a lot of heat put on my hair because of the job, so I use this as a deep conditioner. It helps my hair stay shiny, soft and healthy looking.

How do you keep in shape?

I have started going on a Power Plate, which is a machine you stand and exercise on while it vibrates to works your muscles. A 20-minute workout is the equivalent of an hour in the gym. However after the first go, I couldn't walk for about two days, as it's so intense! But it is making a difference and its ideal as it fits in with my busy work schedule.

Worst soap moment

When I first joined I had to jump into a pigsty. It was gross and I got covered in pigs swill!

If you weren't doing this job what would you be doing?

I have no idea. All I've ever wanted to do is act, so even if I wasn't performing It think I would still be involved somehow in the business, maybe doing something behind the scenes at a theatre,

You're most likely to be found gossiping on set with…

All the girls, as we share a dressing room. There are ten of us in it and we're always nicking each other's make up and shoes.

The funniest thing I've read about myself is…

I don't know. There's nothing I can think of.

What's your top beauty tip?

Moisturise every day. I use Elemis and that's really good for my skin. I can really notice the difference if I don't use it as my face doesn't feel so soft.

Do you think your looks helped you get a career in TV?

I guess that in order to get a part you have to look a certain way as they might have an idea of what the character should look like. But I'd like to think that generally I've got here because of my acting ability.

Name: Charlotte Bellamy
Age: 34
Soap: Emmerdale
Plays: Mild mannered Laurel Thomas

Worst soap moment

My arrival in Emmerdale. I was a singogram and dressed as a bumblebee complete with yellow face. I had to sing and dance in front of the whole cast in the Woolpack and had never met them before – it was terrifying.

What would Laurel say if she saw you dressed like this?

She'd say I looked beautiful. Laurel loves Hollywood glamour, as it's a world away from the Dales, so she'd be very impressed.

Do you think your looks helped you get a career in TV?

Not at all, I'm certainly no cover girl!

Who's your soap pin up?

Dirty Den from Eastenders. In the old days though, not now. Back then he was quite sexy and butch.

If you weren't doing this job what would would you be doing?

I would definitely be a midwife. I think it is the most amazing job to deliver a baby into the world. I am in awe of what they do.

The best thing about this job is…

The fact I get to dress up and pretend to be someone else every day – it's great.

If I wasn't playing Laurel I'd love to play…

Hilda Ogden from Coronation Street. She was funny, tragic, and quirky – everything you want in a brilliant soap character. She's so iconic that 20 years down the line people still know who she is.

What's your top beauty tip?

Stick with what you know-I have used Simple moisturiser for over 20 years, as it's the best thing for my skin. It's nothing fancy, but does the job brilliantly.

How do you keep in shape?

Chasing around after two toddlers! I also really enjoy running outdoors. I go for 45 minutes when I get the chance and it really makes me feel so much better.

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COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: DREW GARDNER STYLING: ANGIE SMITH (ANGIESMITH.CO.UK) SAMMY WEARS DRESS BY KYRI; KARA WEARS DRESS BY DAY BIRGER AT MIKKELSEN; TIANA WEARS DRESS BY KYRI; JENNA-LOUISE WEARS CORSET AND SKIRT BY KYRI, SHOES BY ZARA; MICHELLE WEARS DRESS BY KYRI; KATHERINE WEARS DRESS BY JASPER CONRAN; CHARLOTTE WEARS DRESS BY JASPER CONRAN; LACEY WEARS DRESS BY MARCHESA AT KOH SAMUI; HELEN WEARS DRESS BY KYRI, SHOES BY RED OR DEAD PHOTOGRAPHY: BBC, ITV HAIR: GUY KREMER, KAREN MASON AT MANDY COAKLEY USING BUMBLE & BUMBLE MAKE-UP: CAROLINE PIASECKI AT TIME, PASCAL MARIN STYLING: ANGIE SMITH (ANGIESMITH.CO.UK) SAMMY WEARS DRESS BY COAST; MICHELLE WEARS DRESS BY JASPER CONRAN; LACEY WEARS DRESS BY MARCHESA AT KOH SAMUI JENNA-LOUISE WEARS DRESS BY LITTLEWOODS DIRECT; KATHERINE WEARS DRESS BY JASPER CONRAN; HELEN AND KARA BOTH WEAR DRESSES BY KYRI TIANA WEARS DRESS BY MARCHESA AT KOH SAMUI; CHARLOTTE WEARS DRESS BY BELL AND BUNTY