PITY our poor actors and actresses these days.

It's not enough that they can act convincingly and entice us to watch our favourite soaps and dramas in our millions. Now, they have to be able to sing, dance and do tricks as well!

Soapstar Superstar is the latest "trial" to grace the screen, with Emmerdale stars vying against the best of Hollyoaks and Coronation Street to find who can hold a note the best.

Some are not bad, some are dire. Antony Cotton (The Street's Shaun), pictured, has a pure voice which certainly suits some ballads . . . but in concert? Puh-lease!

We don't expect Russell Watson to turn up in The Bill or Sir Ian McKellen to belt out a tribute to Robbie Williams.

Enjoy the soapie warblings, by all means, but let's keep a sense of proportion about these populist thespians' genuine singing talent.