EastEnders' Jacqueline Jossa tells fans not to vote for her at NTAs in surprise move

Nominee Jacqueline Jossa has suggested that EastEnders fans don't vote for her at the National Television Awards despite her being "over the moon" to be shortlisted. She's told them that she's "rooting" for Steve McFadden instead.

Nominations for the NTAs, which will be held next month, were announced earlier this week. Jac, 32, is recognised in the Serial Drama Performance category for her role as Lauren Branning on the BBC show. Her co-star Steve, 66, who plays Phil Mitchell, is nominated in the same category.

Steve's storylines in recent months have included his character experiencing psychosis, which won him and the show a British Soap Award each earlier this year. Jac has herself been involved in high-profile storylines too, including Lauren continuing to deal with addiction and the character's newborn son being diagnosed as severely sight impaired.

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Jac and Steve are up against actors from two other soaps for the NTAs awards. The co-stars are in the category alongside Coronation Street's Sue Devaney and Jack P. Shepherd, as well as Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper.

Following the news of her nomination, Jac took to Instagram this afternoon to thank fans for their support. The actor, who won Best Newcomer in 2012, expressed concern about fans splitting the vote between her and Steve.

She wrote: "Thank you to everyone who has messaged or shared, the kind words are lovely, I've seen them and I appreciate them. I'm over the moon to be shortlisted for serial drama performance. It is a huge moment for me."

Jac then said that her colleague Steve "deserves" to win. She said: "I am of course still rooting for the one and only Steve McFadden as I truly feel it's his year and I'd hate for EastEnders fans to split the vote and then he doesn't win!"

She continued by writing in the post on the platform today: "He deserves it so much." Writing about being nominated, she told her followers in the message: "I am more than happy with a nomination. Maybe next time hehe."

Jac concluded by expressing gratitude for the support she has received. She wrote: "I just wanted to jump on and say vote everything EastEnders at the NTAs. Thank you again for your lovely words and congratulations ... I see you."

This year's NTAs are scheduled to be held at the O2 London on September 10. Fronted by returning host Joel Dommett, the awards ceremony, which is less than three weeks away, is due to be broadcast live on ITV that evening.

Alongside two of its stars being up for an award, EastEnders is itself nominated in the Serial Drama category. The show is up against Coronation Street, Casualty, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks for the accolade at the latest ceremony.

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