“I want my son to know that women work too”

Hollyoaks star Jen Metcalfe (Mercedes) is no stranger to an Inside Soap award – but she’s thrilled to have been named our first female Soap Superstar this time round…

“I didn’t even know I was up for an award, so this is great,” she grins. “Being called a superstar is very cool, and I’m really happy that people have chosen me. I think that it’s just about loving yourself and how you look.”

Our readers told us that Jen is “the original Mcqueen – and definitely the best!”, and “she’s a great mum with a positive outlook”. But Jen has her own theories about why people love her.

“The Hollyoaks writers are so good to me, they always put me at the forefront of the show,” she beams. “But I have to give myself a little bit of credit for making Mercedes such an allround, great character as well.”

Jen admits that coming back to work after having her son Daye – who is now 17 months old – was tough, but it’s important to set a good example.

“I want him to know that women work – Mummy has a life too,” she explains. “That’s the outlook we have in our family, and it works for us.”

Jen tells us that the fans are always quick to forgive Mercy’s mistakes – although that may be set to change…

“There’s something coming up soon that I can’t forgive her for,” she teases. “I’m a little bit nervous, actually – it’s the worst thing she’s ever done!”