EastEnders' Hetti Bywater wins Newcomer prize

EastEnders’ Hetti Bywater will pick up the award for ‘Best Newcomer’ at tonight’s Inside Soap Awards, according to reports.

Bywater has played the role of Lucy Beale in the BBC1 soap since January after producers decided to recast the character.
The actress saw off competition from Coronation Street’s Natalie Gumede (Kirsty Soames), Emmerdale’s Gemma Oaten (Rachel Breckle) and Hollyoaks’ Steven Roberts (George Smith) to win the award, which was voted for by Inside Soap readers.

“Hetti was so excited when she was nominated, so to have won has left her totally thrilled. She’s worked hard over the last few months and has been involved in a number of very emotional and gripping storylines,” a source told the Daily Star.
“It’s never easy replacing another actor in a role but she’s made it her own and really deserves the recognition. She’s a sweet girl and everyone is really happy for her.”