Stephanie Davis thought it was "a joke" when she was shortlisted for the Best Actress award at the British Soap Awards.
The 26-year-old actress – who plays Sinead Shelby in the Channel 4 soap – is up for the accolade alongside fellow ‘Oaks’ star Lauren McQueen (Lily McQueen), and she "cannot believe" she stands a chance of scooping the prize.
Steph – who returned to ‘Hollyoaks’ in October last year following a stint in rehab to overcome her alcohol issues – wrote on Instagram Stories: "THANKYOUUUUUUUU!!!! To everyone who voted for me!!!! Is this a joke?? Is this even reall???? Cannot beleive I’ve been shortlisted for BEST ACTRESS! From where I was a year ago to now – I haven’t got the words!!!!!!!!!! I love you all!!
"Thankyou so so much for all your support your all friging amazing!!!!!
"And well done to lauren and Gregg !!! hollyoaks well and truly smashing it! (sic)"
Steph also thanked the soap’s exec producer Bryan Kirkwood for "believing in [her]" enough to bring her back to the show, three years after her initial five-year stint.
She added: "And Brian Kirkwood, Thankyou for believing in me. (sic)"
Steph’s ‘Hollyoaks’ co-star and boyfriend Owen Warner (Romeo Quinn) took to Twitter to praise his girlfriend for being nominated, admitting he is "proud" of her.
He wrote: "I’ve never seen something more well deserved than @Stephdavis77 making the shortlist for best actress, so proud of you, you talented gal, vote for her and all things Hollyoaks! (sic)"
Lauren departed the soap earlier this month after her alter-ego Lily died of sepsis, and she has thanked fans for the votes.
She tweeted: "Ahhh I’ve made the shortlist for Best Actress! Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me! If you have loved Lily & her heartbreaking storyline this year you can vote again!! (sic)"
‘Hollyoaks’ and ‘EastEnders’ lead the nominations for the awards with 14 nods, and Oaks’ Gregory Finnegan is up for the Best Actor award for his portrayal of James Nightingale.
He tweeted: "Thank you to everyone who voted in the first round – immensely grateful to you all! You know what to do (sic)"
The British Soap Awards will take place at Manchester’s The Lowry theatre on June 1st, presented by Phillip Schofield.
Stephanie Davis thought Soap Awards nod was ‘a joke’
