EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has explained why she doesn’t want fans to vote for her at the NTAs.

The Lauren Branning actor is nominated for the Serial Drama Performance prize at the National Television Awards, following storylines that have seen Lauren battle painkiller addiction and deal with her newborn son’s sight impairment.

The other nominees in the category are Eden Taylor-Draper from Emmerdale, Jack P Shepherd and Sue Devaney from Coronation Street, and Jossa’s EastEnders co-star Steve McFadden.

In an Instagram Story posted following the announcement of the nominees, Jossa urged fans to use their vote on someone else.

“Thank you to everyone who has messaged or shared, the kind words are lovely,” she wrote. “I’ve seen them and I appreciate them.

“I’m over the moon to be short-listed for Serial Drama Performance. It is a huge moment for me. 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!!

“He deserves it so much. I am more than happy with a nomination. Maybe next time babe.

“I just wanted to say vote everything EastEnders at the NTAs. Thank you again for your lovely words and congratulations. I see you.”

The complete shortlist of nominees for this year’s NTAs is available here.

For all the spoilers for this week’s EastEnders, we’ve got you covered.