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what drama is for. It’s for holding out a hand to people and saying: ‘You’re not alone.’ ”

Fans will see Ashley brought home by loved ones next week after they learn he is on the brink of dying.

John’s performances have helped Emmerdale win a string of top awards over the past year – and he reckons they are leaving rivals in the shade. He said: “It’s enormously belated. I work in a very conservative industry and it takes a long time for a reputation of a show like ours to turn around.

“It took us ages to shake off this image of agricultural Emmerdale Farm, something shown in the middle of the day that your auntie used to watch.

“That’s now changed completely.

“For a long time we were Cinderella at the ball and it always seemed to be a competition between Coronation Street and EastEnders.

“We’re now as big, if not bigger.”

running for gongs include Ant And Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Strictly and National Treasure. The awards honour those who work behind the scenes in television. Stephen Mangan will host next month’s bash in London.