Three young Bradford actors have been nominated for top gongs in the National Television Awards.

Nikki Patel, 15, who plays Amber Kalirai in Coronation Street, and Natalie Anderson, 24, who is Nurse Stella Davenport in ITV's The Royal, are both nominated for Best Newcomer, while Chris Fountain, 18, who plays Justin Burton in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, is up for Best Actor.

The award winners, voted for by viewers, will be announced in November at a ceremony hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

Nikki, of Holme Wood, and Natalie, of Guiseley, are up against Charlie Clements who plays Bradley Branning in EastEnders, and Chris, of Wibsey, is competing with actors including Robson Green and Dr Who star David Tennant.

Nikki, who attends Idle theatre school Stage 84, landed the role of Amber, Dev Alahan's feisty teenage daughter, last year. It is her first professional role.

She said: "I can't believe I've been nominated, it hasn't really sunk in.

"I was filming last week and the director congratulated me. I didn't know what he was talking about.

"I love playing Amber. Her heart is in the right place even though she often gets things wrong. The cast are great and full of advice.

"I didn't really watch Coronation Street before so I wasn't too starstruck, but it's a huge show and I'm really enjoying it."

Nikki, a pupil at Whitcliffe Mount School in Cleckheaton, is awaiting her GCSE results and starts A-levels in September.

She said: "The producers gave me a break to do my exams but now I'm filming scenes which will be shown in August."

Natalie first appeared in The Royal last year and is filming the next series of the 1960s hospital drama.

She said: "I'm filming in Scarborough and St Luke's Hospital in Bradford - in the maternity wing where I was born!

"I'm over the moon to be nominated for Best Newcomer. The first I heard was when another cast member said, Well done on the nomination' and I thought they were winding me up.

"It's great because these awards are voted for by the viewers, that's what really counts.

"Nurse Stella is a great role. She's a fun-loving girl who flirts with patients but underneath she's a hard-worker.

"I've got some big storylines coming up in the next series and it's really frustrating because I'm not allowed to talk about them!"

Natalie, who was a Pop Idol finalist alongside Gareth Gates in 2001, runs Sportstar Entertainments with her friend Emma Johnston, providing pre-match entertainment at Bradford City Football Club.

Natalie was delighted to discover Chris Fountain had been nominated for Best Actor, as they were childhood friends.

She said: "I've known him since he was little as our mums have been friends for a long time. We both went to Intake Performing Arts School in Leeds."

Chris has been in Hollyoaks for two years and recently starred in a high-profile storyline involving his character, Justin, having an affair with his teacher.

Earlier this year Chris took part in BBC1 show Just the Two of Us, singing duets with former S-Club singer Jo O'Meara.

Public voting for the National Television Awards closes on August 4 and shortlists for each category will be drawn up. To register a vote visit www.nta.itv.com e-mail: emma.clayton@bradford.newsquest.co.uk