James Moore has asked fans not to "feel sorry" for him because he "hasn’t had a hard life".
The ‘Emmerdale’ actor – who suffers from ataxic cerebral palsy – scooped the Newcomer prize at the National Television Awards earlier this week for his portrayal of Ryan Stocks, but insists he does not need "sympathy", despite his disability.
He tweeted: "Please don’t feel sorry for me. I’m not struggling, I haven’t had a hard life especially not for the past few years.I’m happy. Having a disability doesn’t mean we’re unhappy, or we need sympathy. (sic)"
James – who joined the ITV soap in May 2018 – insists he is "independent, strong and confident".
He added: "I’m independent, strong and confident and anyone who knows me knows this. Love ya (sic)"
Despite being independent, the 26-year-old star joked that his flat is too messy to house his National TV Award, so he will be storing the accolade at his mum’s house.
Speaking backstage at the ceremony at London’s The O2 on Tuesday night (22.01.19), he told BANG Showbiz and other media: "If they let me take the award home I might keep it at my mum’s, because I feel like my mum’s house is a lot tidier than my flat.
"I want this to be well looked after, so it will go on my mum’s mantelpiece."
What’s more, he called for soaps and TV shows to do more for actors who are disabled.
He added: "’Emmerdale’ and soap in general is brilliant in really raising the bar, but I think more does need to be done … casting people always are looking for ability, gender and race.
"It should be based on talent and being the right person for the role."
James Moore: Don’t feel sorry for me
