SOAP & GLORY!

MILLIE GIBSON on her British Soap Awards nomination and a phenomenal year

- ALISON SLADE

THE BRITISH SOAP AWARDS

LIVE SAT, 8PM, ITV AWARDS

Simply stunning in a flowing emerald-green gown, Millie Gibson looks a world away from her Weatherfield alter ego Kelly Neelan. And as she poses for our exclusive photo shoot, the 17-year-old is quick to acknowledge that this isn't a typical day at work.

'When I go into the makeup chair, I'm usually getting all roughed up,' she quips. 'It's nice to have a curl in my hair and some make-up on... and to smile!"

Getting glammed up is putting Millie in the mood for a big weekend ahead. This Saturday, she's off to London's Hackney Empire for The British Soap Awards. The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it's back in all its sequinned glory, and Millie has been nominated in the Best Young Performer category.

Here, Millie talks posh frocks, dream presenters, and troubled Kelly's traumatic year on the cobbles...

How do you feel about going to your first British Soap Awards, and being a nominee?

I was buzzing when I heard I’d been nominated – it feels like a nice recognition of everything I’ve done in the past year. I’ve been saying to everyone, ‘What’s the set-up? What should I do?’

I’m very excited, but a bit nervous as well. It’ll be really nice to spend time with people like Tanisha [Gorey, who plays Asha] and the other younger ones, because I don’t have scenes with them now – Kelly isn’t part of that school group any more.

My mum is coming with me as my plus-one. I think she’ll cry whether I win or lose!

Have you chosen your outfit?