JOHN: HELP OUR HEROES
He is the Emmerdale star whose portrayal of dying dementia sufferer Ashley Thomas helped the show win Best Soap at this year’s BAFTAs.
But John Middleton, 63, reckons those awards are nothing compared to the Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards in partnership with TSB.
He turned up to show his support when our three Minis – on a 1,000-mile tour of the UK – arrived in his hometown of Harrogate, Yorkshire.
John, who left Emmerdale in April, says his portrayal of Ashley had influenced his nomination.
He says: “Our society isn’t very good at celebrating people who really deserve it, simply because the work they do is often unknown or invisible. It’s vital to celebrate unsung heroes.”
Winners will be announced at a Grosvenor House event hosted by Carol Vorderman, attended by showbiz’s biggest stars and seen on ITV1, in October.