“I’m so proud of this story – it’s been amazing!”

There was stiff competition in our Best Drama Star category this year – but Casualty’s

Chelsea Halfpenny (Alicia) wrestled the gong from her co-star and last year’s winner, George Rainsford (Ethan). And she’s delighted…

“I mean, he can’t win it again, can he?” chuckles the actress, as we ask how she feels to have beaten her on-screen love interest this time round. “Two years in a row? That just wouldn’t be fair!”

It’s no surprise that Chelsea won this award by a country mile – her character Alicia has been to hell and back this year, after being raped by her colleague, Eddie. But despite the harrowing nature of the storyline, Chelsea has loved having something so challenging to play.

“It’s been amazing,” she grins.

“All you want as an actor is to be given a story that you can really get your teeth into, something that’s very difficult.

It’s been so rewarding to play.

“I’m really proud of this plot, and I’m proud that it was done so authentically,” adds Chelsea. “It raised awareness for people who have been through this kind of thing in real life, and I’m hoping that it’s helped people to speak out about it.”

Chelsea tells us that she’s been overwhelmed by the feedback she’s had from

Casualty fans about Alicia’s experience. Yet while it’s nice to know that you’ve struck a chord with the viewers, winning an award is also pretty sweet!

“I’ve just bought a flat, so I’ll probably put my award in the display cabinet above the TV,” considers the star. “Every time someone comes in, they’ll go, ‘What’s that?’, and I’ll say,

‘Oh, just a little award I won!’”

Chelsea was clearly chuffed to bits with her win, but she declared that she wouldn’t be celebrating too hard – as she’s getting sensible in her old age!

“I have calmed down in the past year or so,” she admits. “I’m normally rubbish after a big night out, the next day is a complete write-off. So now I give myself a curfew, and make sure I drink lots of water. I’m truly becoming an adult!”